Hundreds of people have died in Florida

[Hortensis]

127. Regarding the "displaced people," fortunately it's not nearly as bad

as that term might suggest. This is America, not Yemen, after all.

Many of those displaced are still in anywhere from sustainable to very good financial condition. Many others are at least working and able to support themselves, and have family and friends to fall back on -- generally functional people who not only can take care of themselves but already are. The housing shortage is going to be a problem for some for a while, and I imagine motels down there are pretty full up right now, but we're not going to need IDP camps.

It's worth noting that a bunch of those washed-away homes were rentals, their ex-occupants choosing not to own for obvious reasons. Finding somewhere else they like will be their biggest problem.

Because property by the water has become very expensive and economically risky, a fair number of those who've lost property are affluent and can afford the risks. Many are snowbirds and watched on TV from their main homes. And, regardless, some will be able if they choose to haul out their virtual checkbooks and insurance policies and start creating something to come back to. Where replacement is allowed.

Similarly, many of the people who chose to live in those MH parks and lost units they owned can afford to have another hauled on. Again where replacement is allowed. Others will move elsewhere, lots of MH parks in FL. But there's about to be a shortage of used MHs.

Many, retirees especially, bought modest homes they have the means to replace, even if it's a real financial hit, in FL or wherever they choose to go.

Some have taken losses they can't afford and lost homes they can't replace. But those in their working years with incomes will go find something to rent somewhere. Finding themselves and the kids in a motel room may be a shock, but they're able to take care of themselves. Some will have insurance to pay for the motel for a while. We have programs to help ease things for them, of course, and homeowners' programs for those who save up to someday buy again.

Subtract all those who are able to take a hit and keep on tooting, and that leaves a relative minority of "internally displaced persons" who won't be able to and need help. Some of those will solve the problem of their displacement, though, by going to live with family or friends.

That leaves those displaced who will be homeless without help from us, via government and charitable NGOs. There won't be huge numbers of those, though. Most will also already have been on SS, SSI, Medicaid, etc., and that will continue as federal, state, county, municipal and private agencies work to get them into new places.