Inundated

Flooding and vulnerable communities in the Great Lakes region

Communities throughout the Great Lakes region face similar crises, with archaic wastewater systems, crumbling infrastructure and segregated housing creating a perfect storm of flooding vulnerability.

For this series, six outlets highlight how cities and Indigenous communities in the Great Lakes region face severe flooding issues — from excessive rain to crumbling infrastructure.

Read stories from the collaboration below.

Explore the collaboration’s impact

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Showing 6 results of 6

August 15, 2023

A Community-Led Approach To Stopping Flooding Expands

In a region where communities of color are most impacted by flooding, RainReady is bringing together community members to create flood mitigation plans.

August 14, 2023

Survival of wild rice threatened by climate change, increased rainfall in northern Minnesota

Wild rice is an aquatic grass that thrives in shallow waters, and serves as a sacred “mashkiki,” or medicine, to the Ojibwe.

August 11, 2023

Climate costs imperils Detroit’s unique, diverse Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood

Climate gentrification could mean resources to manage the risks and expense of living in a floodplain may replace those without them.

August 10, 2023

Milwaukee residents fear more flooding due to planned I-94 expansion

Two extra highway lanes will add 29 acres of asphalt next to Near West Side Milwaukee neighborhoods that already face flood risks.

August 8, 2023

On Chicago’s South Side, neighbors fight to keep Lake Michigan at bay

Residents dogged by frequent flooding have finally drawn attention from city and state officials.