What's the difference between rebuilding this area and let's say New Orleans after Katrina? Is it the terrain? I see you mentioned quicksand, mud, etc. New Orleans is below sea level so that had its complications.

You're right to question the wisdom of rebuilding. Eventually someday another hurricane will hit. Maybe we shouldn't be rebuilding some of these areas that are so vulnerable to hurricanes.

Just pulled up a wiki on the rebuilding of New Orleans.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reconstruction_of_New_Orleans

There were lots of complaints about FEMA delays then. Bush was blamed of course so blaming politicians isn't new. Of course he wasn't much more competent than Joe.

This is an incredibly complex problem and nobody will be happy with any likely outcome.

A lot of people were unhappy with Katrina cleanup and rebuilding efforts as well. It's a messy situation even if things are done right.

From what I heard, the weather in that area (west NC / east TN) is mild in the winter and not too hot in the summer. Apparently there is a price to be paid for the nice weather.