Given the huge sums of money available, it should eventually be possible to rebuild ruined houses, repair infrastructure and replace damaged goods.

ECONOMIST: The tsunami

The flood alleviation scheme consisted of two parts - work to repair, replace and upsize 600m (660 yards) of culverts beneath the streets of Penrith.

BBC: Flood alleviation scheme complete in Penrith

And Disaster loans are available for homeowners and renters to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate or personal property.

WHITEHOUSE: Our Top Stories

Businesses and private non-profit organizations of any size may borrow funds to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets, or to make improvements that lessen the risk of property damage by future disasters of the same kind.

WHITEHOUSE: Our Top Stories

These grants will help districts replace instructional materials, renovate and repair schools buildings, and support afterschool and other initiatives to provide extended learning.

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"Simply put, we can't really repair it now economically, and it is time to replace it with the new bridge which is what we're doing, " he said.

BBC: Shoreham swing bridge nearing completion

Companies are in the process of testing a device that will replace lung volume reduction surgery for patients with emphysema and repair heart valves by going through the skin.

FORBES: Knifeless Surgery's Cutting-Edge Techniques