How Western North Carolina can turn disaster into opportunity

In the aftermath of Japan’s 2011 tsunami, which claimed over 19,000 lives, entire towns were destroyed, and critical infrastructure — including roads, power systems and communication networks — was crippled. The Japanese response went beyond simple rebuilding; they reimagined their communities with resilience in mind, moving towns further inland and creating natural buffers along the coastline.

This approach serves as a powerful example for Western North Carolina, where several communities have been devastated by Tropical Storm Helene. We, too, now have the choice to rebuild not just as we were but smarter, stronger and better prepared for the future.

The first lesson from Japan’s experience is the importance of where we build. For too long, floodplains and low-lying areas in our region have been developed due to affordability or convenience, but Helene has shown us that these areas are increasingly vulnerable. We can turn this tragedy into an opportunity to rethink land use and zoning policies across WNC, steering development away from high-risk flood zones. By converting flood-prone areas into parks, greenways or natural flood buffers, we can create beautiful green spaces that protect our communities while enhancing residents’ quality of life.