Sales of federal flood insurance rose sharply across the country last year as homeowners saw the devastation from Hurricane Katrina and realized that typical policies didn’t cover many losses.

In the 12 months beginning in November 2005, the number of federal policies jumped more than 13 percent, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Participation in coastal and other vulnerable areas spiked dramatically. In Mississippi, the number of policies rose 61 percent.

Strong increases were reported as far away as Northeastern and Western states, as well. Idaho had a 24 percent increase, and Rhode Island 21 percent.

The numbers are a welcome trend for the federal government, which has struggled to gain more participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.