The flood hazard areas of South Houston are subject to periodic inundation, which
results in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce
and governmental services, and extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection
and relief; all of which adversely affect the public health, safety and general welfare.
(2)
These flood losses are created by the cumulative effects of obstructions in floodplains
which cause an increase in flood heights and velocities, and by the occupancy of flood
hazard areas by uses vulnerable to floods and hazardous to other lands because they
are inadequately elevated, flood-proofed or otherwise protected from flood damage.