As climate change intensifies, Philadelphia finds itself grappling with an increasing risk of flooding, driven by heavier rainfall, stronger storms, and rising sea levels.
At a recent panel discussion at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, representatives from various organizations, including the city’s Office of Sustainability, the US Water Alliance, and the grassroots nonprofit Germantown Residents for Economic Alternatives Together, gathered to share their insights about improving flood resilience.
Abby Sullivan, the chief resilience officer at the city’s Office of Sustainability, highlighted the multifaceted nature of flooding that afflicts Philadelphia.
From riverine flooding, which occurs when rivers overflow their banks during storms, to coastal flooding caused by high tides or storm surges, to urban or infrastructure flooding—which often goes unnoticed—each presents unique challenges.
Urban flooding, in particular, is a pressing issue in Germantown, where the geometric history of the neighborhood complicates drainage.
The historic Wingohocking Creek, once a free-flowing creek, has been encased in a sewer pipe for over a century, contributing to the area’s vulnerability.
Residents face frequent backups into their basements, resulting in standing water at low-lying intersections.
A tragic incident from 2011, where a woman lost her life during a flash flood in Germantown, underscores the gravity of this issue and the need for immediate action.
Marie-Monique Marthol, a longtime resident of Germantown, has turned her personal experiences with flooding into advocacy through her work with Germantown Residents for Economic Alternatives Together.
Many residents are often unaware of their flood risk as this type of flooding is not represented on FEMA flood maps.
As Sullivan notes, “You would move into Germantown and not think, ‘Oh, this is a high-risk area for flooding,’ but it certainly is.”
While the city is contemplating solutions, many proposed projects are still in early planning phases.
Potential strategies include significant infrastructure updates, like a levee in Eastwick and a proposed 5-mile tunnel in Germantown to help alleviate flooding.
However, these are long-term solutions that can take years or even decades to implement, leaving many residents asking, “What can we do now?”
To address immediate concerns, the Philadelphia Water Department has been installing green stormwater management systems designed to absorb excess rainwater while improving water quality.
Additionally, plans are underway to upgrade existing water and sewer infrastructure to better accommodate the realities of climate change.
The city is also exploring joining a FEMA program that provides flood insurance discounts, as well as launching a property-level flood safety initiative to help residents protect their homes.
Sullivan emphasizes the importance of developing policies that restrict construction in flood-prone areas and integrating flood resilience into home repair programs.
Efforts to address poverty, through initiatives like universal basic income or reparations, could help vulnerable households adapt to the growing threat of flooding, making it essential to engage with communities historically affected by neglect and harmful government decisions.
The rise of gentrification and development in Germantown has worsened the flooding crisis by increasing impermeable surfaces, as noted by Marthol.
To combat this, she argues for policies that promote the preservation of green and open spaces.
In the meantime, residents have taken proactive measures within their community, crafting their own short-term solutions to manage flooding effectively.
Using cinder blocks to elevate basement storage containers and participating in a city initiative offering free sewer pipe valves are among their strategies to mitigate the impacts of flooding.
Another key to addressing the challenges of climate-driven flooding is fostering connections among community members.
As emphasized by Jarvis, Philadelphians are encouraged to reach out to their neighbors, exchange contact information, and devise plans to assist each other during emergencies.
This block-by-block approach, led by Germantown Residents for Economic Alternatives Together, focuses on understanding specific needs within the community, such as mobility issues that could hinder evacuations.
Marthol emphasizes the importance of creating teams to support neighbors who may need help during flooding events, reinforcing the idea that communities must develop localized solutions that fill gaps left by higher levels of government.
Additionally, she highlights the significance of community empowerment, urging residents to organize politically and address local challenges by uniting their efforts.
By building solidarity and resourcefulness within neighborhoods, residents can effectively navigate their climate challenges, reasserting the belief that communities can rely on each other in times of crisis.
“Neighbors, everyday citizens, everyone has something to contribute to solutions,” Marthol affirmed, showcasing the community’s resilience amid the pressing threat of climate change.
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