Indigenous communities in Oklahoma are facing a significant risk of flooding, with recent studies showing that they are more than five times more likely to experience this danger compared to surrounding areas.
The main factor contributing to this risk is the location of these communities.
Theresa Tsoodle, a researcher from the University of Oklahoma and a member of the Pawnee tribe from Andarko, highlighted the need for collaboration between federal and state agencies and tribes to better understand and address the ecological challenges of the area.
The lack of wetlands, which would help drain surface water, and poor soil quality in these areas exacerbate the risk of flooding.
In response to these challenges, the United States Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, announced a $120 million fund to support tribal efforts in building resilience to climate-related extreme weather events like flooding.
Climate change has made flooding a year-round concern in Oklahoma, with increasing precipitation intensity due to warmer atmospheric conditions.
The aftermath of floods, including loss of life, property damage, and soil erosion, can have long-lasting effects on tribal communities.
Tsoodle’s research projects a significant increase in the Indigenous population in Oklahoma by the end of the century, posing greater vulnerability to natural disasters like flooding.
Integrating traditional tribal knowledge into flood policy, such as sustainable livestock grazing to preserve soil quality, could help mitigate the impact of flooding.
While federal funding is crucial in implementing such strategies, Tsoodle emphasizes the importance of tribal-led initiatives to ensure the effectiveness and inclusivity of such measures.
