It can be done, Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia has gone from this
to this since its reconstruction after Cyclone Tracy.
If they can reconstruct Iraq, they can reconstruct New Orleans. you're right about reconsidering how they do it Bobert. in Darwin the council strengthened build regs, everything had to be cyclone-proof after that.
Australia has always been innovative about building in flood prone areas.. this house is typical of houses built in the top end of australia. Built on stilts, with large shady areas underneath for parking and storage, they ride high above flood waters. My first memory is of being underneath the house in Darwin, playing with sticks and leaves in the dirt under the house..