The Mississippi River is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and important rivers in the United States. It is often viewed as an American symbol of power and strength, but its history has been marred by frequent flooding. From the late 1800s to the present day, floods have caused billions of dollars in damages, disrupted commerce and transportation, and forced hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate their homes.
The Mississippi River is subject to two types of flooding: periodic flooding from heavy rains and spring snow melt from northern tributaries, and more extreme “500-year” floods that are caused by massive storms or rain events. Historically, the United States has used levees and other engineering projects to manage flood waters and minimize damages.
The Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for managing the Mississippi River, has determined that the river has a 17 percent chance of experiencing a 500-year flood in any given year. This means that the river has a one-in-five chance of flooding every five years. In recent years, the likelihood of flooding in the Mississippi basin has gone up. In 2019, an extremely wet spring caused high water levels across the basin and resulted in several levee overtoppings and loss of life.
The frequent flooding along the Mississippi River has put strain on local economies, as businesses and industries suffer from shuttered transport links, water damage, and public health concerns. Furthermore, the disruption of local farming and agricultural activities has resulted in decreased crop yields and increased prices for food.
In order to reduce flooding and its associated damages, some experts have proposed the construction of more levees and dams, as well as the creation of more reservoirs and inland wetlands to store excess water. However, these projects can be cost prohibitive and cause environmental degradation if not constructed and managed properly. Other experts have proposed focusing on restoring natural riparian habitats, or floodplain vegetation, as the best way to reduce flooding. These types of projects have the benefit of acting as natural buffers against floods, while also creating new habitats for fish and wildlife.
Flooding caused by the Mississippi River is a serious concern, and one that is not likely to go away anytime soon. As the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, with more extreme weather events and higher temperatures melting spring snowpack sooner, the frequency and intensity of flooding along the Mississippi is likely to increase. It is therefore essential that the US government and local communities adjust their policies to address flood risks and prepare for future floods.
Preventing Flood Damages
In order to minimize damages caused by floods, it is important for individuals, businesses, and local governments to take proactive measures. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides insurance to property owners, so that they can be financially secure in case of a flood. Local governments can also mitigate future damages by passing ordinances and regulations, such as building codes and land-use ordinances, that prioritize flood resilience and prevent development in at-risk floodplains.
Businesses can also prepare for floods by developing plans to ensure their operations can continue in the case of a flood. For example, businesses can secure critical and assets, install back-up generators, and develop plans to move data and communications systems to higher ground.
Finally, individuals and families can protect their property and personal belongings by taking preventive measures such as elevating water heaters and other machinery, waterproofing basements, and installing flood barriers around windows and doors.
Economic Impacts of Mississippi River Flooding
Mississippi River flooding causes significant economic impacts for a variety of industries, from agricultural to manufacturing. For example, in 2011, the Mississippi River flooding resulted in crop damage of nearly $1 billion, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
Furthermore, flooding can cause extensive damage to industries, such as manufacturing and transport. The 2011 Mississippi River flooding caused a shut down of much of the Mississippi River, leading to both fuel shortages and disruptions in shipping and marine transport.
Finally, floods can also cause extensive damage to local businesses. Many small businesses can be forced to close or temporarily relocate due to flooding, leading to economic losses. Additionally, the disruption of roads, utilities, and other infrastructure can be costly and lead to prolonged economic impacts.
Adapting to Future Floods
Given the likely increase in frequency and intensity of floods due to climate change, local communities and governments must take measures to adapt to extreme weather events. As such, numerous initiatives have been launched to help communities and governments prepare for future flooding.
For example, the US Army Corps of Engineers has launched several initiatives to reduce flood risks, such as the Mississippi River and Tributaries program, which combines increased intrusion levees, channel modifications, and other features to reduce flooding along the Mississippi River basin. Additionally, the National Wildlife Federation is working with local communities across the Midwest to create riparian buffers and wetlands to create natural buffers against floodwaters.
At the same time, numerous organizations and initiatives have been launched to provide communities with the technical assistance and resources they need to prepare for flooding. The Center for Disaster Resilience, for example, provides assistance to local communities in developing flood risk reduction plans, as well as providing information and resources on flood insurance and how to financially prepare for a flood.
Flood Education and Outreach
In addition to taking measures to prepare for floods, local communities and governments must do more to educate and inform their constituents about the dangers of flooding. This includes creating public awareness campaigns to educate people about flood risks, warning signs, and evacuation procedures. Additionally, local governments should provide resources and information on how to prepare for and respond to a flood, as well as providing contact information for disaster relief and recovery services.
Furthermore, schools should incorporate flood preparedness lessons into their curricula, and organizations should provide training to inform businesses and other institutions on how to prepare for flood events. Such steps can help ensure that citizens are better prepared for floods and can take the necessary steps to protect their property and personal possessions.
Conclusion
Flooding caused by the Mississippi River is a serious problem that is likely to worsen as the effects of climate change become more pronounced. In order to reduce flooding damages, local communities and governments must take steps to reduce flood risks and prepare for future floods. Furthermore, educating and informing people about flood risks is essential, as this can empower individuals and businesses to take the necessary steps to protect themselves from floods.
