Las Vegas recorded 1.08 inches of rain through Sunday morning, tying the city’s October daily rainfall record set back in 1947, according to the National Weather Service. This heavy rainfall led to significant flooding, with water rushing along streets near the city’s famous Strip, as video shared on social media showed. The flooding in Las Vegas is part of a larger pattern of extreme weather events that have hit Black communities disproportionately hard, not just in the Southwest but across the nation.

The National Weather Service issued flood watches for parts of Utah, southeastern Idaho, and northern and central Arizona, including the Grand Canyon, warning of localized flash flooding. These warnings reflect a broader trend of climate change exacerbating natural disasters, affecting areas that are often ill-prepared to handle such extreme weather conditions. In Black communities, where resources and infrastructure are already strained, these events can lead to severe disruptions and long-term challenges.

Over the weekend, Tropical Storm Rachel brought wind, rain, and unusually large waves to Southern California’s coast, forcing oceanside residents to evacuate and causing significant damage to historic landmarks and coastal homes. This kind of weather event highlights the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and emergency preparedness, particularly in communities that are historically underserved and under-resourced. The impact on these areas often extends beyond immediate physical damage, affecting mental health, community cohesion, and economic stability.

While the East Coast remained clear, the storm’s aftermath continued to affect millions. About 158,000 customers in the Florida Panhandle and southern Alabama were still without power, with the expectation that nearly everyone would have power restored by Tuesday night. Drier conditions were forecast for parts of the mid-Atlantic and Southeast, but some areas were expected to see above-normal temperatures, which could continue to stress already vulnerable communities.

In the face of such extreme weather, Black communities must come together to build resilience, ensuring that they are not only survivors but also agents of change. This includes advocating for better infrastructure, preparing for disasters, and organizing to ensure that resources are available when needed most. Community-led initiatives and mutual aid networks are vital in these efforts, providing a safety net that government support often fails to provide.

Survivors, not victims. This hard truth must be met with action and solidarity, ensuring that every community has the tools and support necessary to withstand and recover from natural disasters. The road forward is one of empowerment and self-sufficiency, building communities that are resilient and capable of thriving in the face of adversity.

Originally reported by Rolling Out