A healthy coral reef can reduce up to 97% of a wave's energy before it hits the shore, says The Nature Conservancy. (Photo: Shutterstock) A healthy coral reef can reduce up to 97% of a wave's energy before it hits the shore, says The Nature Conservancy. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Hurricanes and storm-related flooding are responsible for the bulk of damage from disasters in the United States, accounting for annual economic losses of about $54 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).

These losses have been on the rise due, in large part, to increased coastal development. More, bigger homes, more valuables inside them, more cars and infrastructure — these all can contribute to bigger losses. The CBO estimates that a combination of private insurance for wind damage, federal flood insurance, and federal disaster assistance would cover about 50% of losses to the residential sector and 40% of commercial sector losses.

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