The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) yesterday canceled this year’s annual convention in Tampa, Florida over safety concerns as Tropical Storm Milton is forecast to hit Florida’s west coast this week.
The gathering was due to take place 6-9 October, with a gala event on 8 October.
The decision came as Florida and neighbouring states are still reeling from Hurricane Helene, which is thought to have killed 183 people in the region and caused billions of dollars in damage.
“We have to consider health, safety, and welfare above all else,” said ASCE President Marsia Geldert-Murphey.
“This is not a decision we take lightly, because the annual convention is our flagship event. We have to prioritise safety of our members, speakers, and staff, as well as support the readiness of the community as they prepare for a major storm.”
ASCE’s board made the decision during a meeting in Tampa on Saturday and Sunday after consulting the Tampa mayor’s office, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and local meteorologists.
ASCE said the convention hotel is near the water in an evacuation zone, and the city likely will be under an evacuation notice as soon as Tuesday.
It said the situation was complicated by the fact that much of the Tampa area is still saturated by Hurricane Helene.
500-year floods increasing in regularity
A statement from Geldert-Murphey after the hurricane said:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life across six states, in addition to the immeasurable damages caused by Hurricane Helene throughout the Southeast this past week.
“Hundreds of communities are without power. Citizens cannot move safely from one place to another. And in its wake, the storm has left many without drinking water and sewage services.
“As civil engineers, our first priority when we design and build the structures that connect us is the public’s safety and well-being; we are heartbroken to see so many lives lost or upended by Hurricane Helene.
“As someone who has experienced losing everything in a catastrophic flood event, I have seen first-hand the need for making communities more resilient, and the consequences of failing to do so.
“Although hurricanes have consistently been a threat in the U.S., particularly in the Southeast, extreme weather events and 500-year floods are increasing in regularity and our ageing infrastructure systems were not built to withstand storms of this magnitude.
“Total prevention of loss of life or property damage can never be guaranteed, but Helene is a reminder of the importance of widespread adoption of up-to-date, modern building codes and standards.”
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