Damage to Communities
The Mississippi River crested in many parts of the Midwest this spring, with many areas of the river reaching record levels. This kind of flooding is particularly devastating to the small communities along the banks of the river, leaving them with damaged homes and businesses, while they rebuild and bear the very real financial burden that comes with such events. Small towns up and down the river have had to evacuate in some cases, impacting countless lives in the process.
Communities have had to obtain local and federal assistance in order to attempt to repair the damage and provide relief to those who were displaced by the floods. This kind of disaster assistance is necessary, but it is not without its drawbacks. The influx of money often causes prices in the distressed area to rise, making it difficult for locals to afford services, or to rebuild themselves.
The years-long effort of clean-up and recovery often involves negotiating with both local, state, and federal officials over the proper utilization of resources and assistance. This can be a long and tedious process, one that is often beyond the scope of many of the small communities affected. It is clear that the government’s assistance is invaluable, but it is essential that this assistance be efficiently managed, and targeted at restoring the area long-term.
Meanwhile, those living within the affected areas not only face the harm caused by the flooding but also the very real danger of potential chemical leaks and health risks. The sites of many of these communities rest atop chemical plants and industrial sites, many of which have been abandoned after decades of disrepair. The high water levels posed a serious threat to such sites, with flooding being able to potentially cause a chemical spill or environmental pollutant, leading to health risks for local residents. This can be especially dangerous for those living downstream of the flooding, which necessitates the swift resolution of this matter to ensure public safety.
Dangers of Unchecked Flooding
Another danger posed by the Mississippi River cresting is the destabilization of the levees that have been installed over the years. The risk posed by these levees is significant, as they provide a barrier between the river and the small communities alongside them. A levee breach can result in catastrophic damage and the displacement of many, with the potential of threatening food production and jobs, among other things.
The damage caused by unchecked flooding can also extend beyond just the Mississippi and its communities. The elevated water levels in the Midwest are able to damage infrastructure much farther downstream, potentially leading to serious problems in the delta regions. In the past, contaminants that were washed into the river have been responsible for the disruption of local economies, the destruction of the environment, and the displacement of businesses and communities, in some cases.
Stockpiling Resources for the Future
The floods are a reminder that a forward-thinking attitude needs to be adopted when predicting and preparing for natural disasters. In many of the affected areas, state and federal resources are being stockpiled to ensure that relief efforts are rapid and capable of responding to natural disasters in the future. These stockpiles should include shelter, food, medical supplies, and the means to transport them to the area in a timely manner.
In addition, many of the affected areas are in need of improved infrastructure, better weather forecasting and monitoring systems, proper drainage systems, and updated levees and dikes. While these projects take time and money to complete, they will be essential to ensuring the safety of communities in the event of future flooding.
Furthermore, it is essential that communities work together in the wake of such disasters to rebuild their lives and provide support to one another. When resources are thin, relying on the kindness of neighbors and friends can help to alleviate the burden. This can come in the form of volunteerism, donations, or just offering a supportive and listening ear.
Impact To Local Economy
The economic damage caused by the flooding is difficult to assess, but it is likely to be deep and long-lasting. The disaster-stricken areas are likely to feel a lasting financial impact from lost wages, damaged infrastructure, and financial losses from businesses. This can be further compounded by the rising cost of goods in the affected area, caused by the influx of resources from disaster recovery funds.
It is therefore important to take a holistic view of the economic impacts of flooding, including the cost of recovery and the economic hardship that can follow. By understanding the sources of these economic losses, it becomes easier to plan and predict how to best rebound economically, both in the short and long-term.
Long-Term Effects To The Environment
The effects of flooding on the environment can sometimes not be seen or felt anytime soon after water levels recede. Along with the potential of chemical spills, there is the danger of an increase in harmful substances entering the water table and water sources, leading to long-term contamination.
While the immediate effects of a flood can be devastating, it is important to keep an eye on potential long-term risks to health and the environment. By understanding the sources of pollutants and contaminants, both from flooding and from other sources, health officials can better monitor the water and soil quality in the affected areas, alerting local authorities and residents to any impending risk.
Preparedness for The Future
Having a better understanding of the risks associated with flooding is essential for better preparing for a possible repeat of such an event in the future. Such preparations require investment in resources, better infrastructure, and improved regulations and infrastructure. Furthermore, cost-preventative measures can help reduce the severity of any damage, should the worst occur.
For example, flood plains can be designed to absorb excess water, while proper drainage systems can be put in place to mitigate flooding. Similarly, methods of reinforcing dikes and levees, as well as improving weather forecasting systems and monitoring systems, can all help to better anticipate flooding and to prepare for emergencies.
Changes in Entity and Human Behaviour
Of course, the best way to prepare for flooding is to reduce the causes of flooding in the first place. This requires change from humans, from curbing activities that contribute to flooding, such as excessive land use and deforestation, to proper waste disposal and rainwater management. Changes must also come from the corporate and governmental entities in order to protect the environment and to prevent future occurrences.
This can include improved regulations and oversight, not just during the disaster but long-term, as it is essential that there are laws in place to protect the environment and to prevent another flood in the future. It also behooves companies to invest money in long-term preventative measures, such as better infrastructure, while also operating in an environmentally friendly manner.
Effects on Climate Change
The effects of climate change on the Mississippi River are worth examining. As the world continues to warm, more floods are likely to occur, with warmer temperatures leading to more extreme weather patterns and patterns of precipitation. Such drastic changes have the potential to have a profound impact on the river and its watershed in the years to come.
In this sense, the Mississippi River floods serve as a reminder that a comprehensive approach needs to be taken to address climate change and its effects on natural environments. The problems posed by the river crested this year have the potential to have a lasting and devastating effect on the environment, making it all the more important for governments, industry, and individuals to take action on preventing climate change.
Progress and Setbacks
The situation with the Mississippi River cresting provides a valuable case study in the difficult struggle to grapple with natural disasters. There has been progress made in recent years in terms of better preparing for such situations, while local, state, and federal governments have taken steps to better address the root causes of such events.
At the same time, however, this event, as well as many other natural disasters all over the world, serves as a reminder that much more must be done in order to prepare for and mitigate against these living threats. Only through a unified effort to address potentially dangerous climate changes, as well as improvements to infrastructure and preventative measures, can we hope to ensure the safety of communities both today and in the future.
