Scientists blame global warming for the rise of sea levels, stating higher seas will cause more coastal flooding in this century and beyond in places that have ordinarily been dry and out of harm’s way. However, mapping where these future floods will strike has barely begun.

The devastating effects of the wildfires in Southern California last year have created the perfect conditions for deadly mudslides and floods. According to ABC, “Heavy rain unleashed flash floods and debris flow in the southern part of California Tuesday, just weeks after several wildfires torched the area. At least 17 people have died, another 8 are missing and more than two dozen are injured in the Golden State from weather-related incidents, according to Santa Barbara County officials.” This disaster took place in the same community in Montecito where just last month, firefighters battled the largest wildfire in the state’s history.

Tokyo has a $2 billion underground anti-flood system that was completed in 2006. The New York Times has called it “an extraordinary example of the defenses that global cities are readying as they face an era of extreme weather brought on by climate change.” It’s the world’s largest underground flood water diversion facility. What do cities here in the United States need to do to prepare for floods and the often extreme unpredictable weather that causes them? Recently, Houston officials have asked for state and federal funds to help build a $400 million reservoir that could keep stormwater from destroying downstream neighborhoods.