This statement addresses the statistical likelihood that a property located within a floodplain designated as having a risk level for flooding every hundred years will indeed experience flooding over such a period, regardless of any specific patterns or interruptions. It underscores the inherent unpredictability and inevitability of natural events like floods in certain geographical areas.
The quote delves deeper into the concept of probability and risk assessment, emphasizing that even if several years pass without an actual flood occurring, the underlying risk remains constant. This perspective is crucial for property owners, policymakers, and environmental experts to understand when making long-term decisions about infrastructure, insurance, and land use in potentially hazardous areas. The statement also invites consideration of factors like climate change, which may increase the frequency or intensity of flooding events beyond historical averages.
Earl Blumenauer, a U.S. Representative from Oregon who has been advocating for environmental policies and sustainable urban planning for decades, is known for his insightful commentary on issues related to infrastructure resilience and natural resource management. His quote highlights the importance of basing decisions on long-term statistical analysis rather than short-term observations in areas prone to flooding or other natural disasters.
