Introduction
Mississippi River floods have long been an inevitable part of life for residents living along the banks of the river. For centuries, communities in affected areas have adapted their behaviors and lifestyles to the challenges associated with these floods. From construction of levees and floodways to emergency relocation plans, residents of affected communities have invented and adopted numerous strategies to combat the challenges posed by the flooding of the Mississippi River. In this article, we will examine how people have adapted to Mississippi River floods, the strategies they have adopted and the outcomes of their efforts.
Safety Concerns
The primary concern of those living near the Mississippi River is safety. Flooding puts lives and property at risk and it is essential that precautions are taken to ensure that those living along its banks are able to respond quickly and effectively to any potential flooding event. The nature of flooding makes it difficult to predict when and where flooding would strike, so those living along the Mississippi have had to develop an array of strategies that allow them to anticipate and respond to floods.
One method of adaptation is construction of levees and floodways. Levees are structures built along the banks of rivers to hold back and contain floodwaters, while floodways are artificial channels that allow excess floodwaters to be released away from populated areas. By constructing and managing these structures, residents in affected areas can prevent floodwaters from entering their homes and businesses.
United States Army Corps of Engineers
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is a federal agency that is responsible for managing the nation’s rivers and waterways, including the Mississippi River. As part of their mission, the USACE develops plans to mitigate the effects of flooding and develop strategies that enable those living along rivers to cope with its effects. These strategies include the construction of levees and floodways, establishment of emergency evacuation plans and flood forecasting systems. Through these actions, the USACE is working to ensure that people living along the Mississippi River are better prepared to face the challenges brought by flooding.
Emergency Management Plans
In addition to developing infrastructure and technological solutions to combat flooding, communities living near the Mississippi River must also be prepared to evacuate in the event of an emergency. The Bureau of Emergency Management (BEM) is a state agency that develops and implements plans for emergency relocation for those living in affected areas. BEM works in partnership with other state and local agencies to develop evacuation plans that provide residents with essential information, such as evacuation routes and safe assembly points. By making sure that these plans are in place, people living along the Mississippi River can safely evacuate and reduce the chances of any casualties.
Flood Forecasting Systems
One of the most important tools for anticipating and responding to floods is a reliable forecast system. The National Weather Service (NWS) is a federal agency that provides weather forecasts and warnings to communities across the country, including those living along the Mississippi. The NWS utilizes a network of river gauges to monitor the levels of the river and issue warnings when levels are expected to rise. This allows communities to be better prepared for flooding, as they can plan ahead and take precautions before the flood waters arrive.
Community Outreach
In order for these strategies to be effective, it is essential that members of the community are aware of them and understand how to utilize them. Local governments and organizations, such as the Red Cross, work to educate residents on flood preparedness and to provide them with the resources they need to be safe. Local governments may also hold drills and simulations, in which they practice responding to floods and evacuations, so that members of the community are better prepared when the need arises.
Impact
Through their efforts, those living along the Mississippi River have been able to develop strategies and adaptations that enable them to respond effectively to Mississippi River floods. The construction of levees and floodways, development of emergency management plans, utilization of flood forecasting systems and education of the community have enabled people to better cope with the risks associated with flooding. Although flooding is still a threat, people living along the Mississippi are now more prepared to respond to potential flooding events and keep their community safe.
Socio-economic Impacts
Not all the effects of the Mississippi river floods are seen as favorable. Floods can cause disruption to people’s livelihoods and cause significant social and economic disruption. Although the construction of levees aim to prevent flooded areas from flooding, when levees do fail, the flow of water can be catastrophic, leading to significant material damage including households and businesses being destroyed. These impacts are difficult to manage and can lead to significant economic losses.
In times of intense flooding events, the need for emergency accommodation increases, causing further financial burden on those most at risk. In 2020, estimates suggested the management of flooding had cost the United States $24 billion. Even when adjusted for inflation, these costs remain considerable. Furthermore, there is an associated effect on the psychological wellbeing of those living in flood-prone areas; as an awareness of the potential threat of flooding persists, people are often unable to feel safe in their own homes, leading to disrupted sleep and stress-related physical symptoms.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of the Mississippi river floods is hard to ignore. Rising water levels can inundate natural habitats, leading to the displacement of local wildlife, decreased biodiversity and a loss of overall ecological health. In addition, moving water contains large amounts of sediment and nutrient-rich runoff which is often highly damaging when released into the environment.
With the United States having experienced a shift in its rainfall patterns over recent decades, it is expected that floods will become more frequent along the Mississippi. Consequently, scientists are working on strategies that aim to reduce the impact of floods and their associated sediment loads. As part of this work, large-scale restoration projects aim to restore the floodplain, replenish wetlands and limit the amount of sediment entering the river. However, these measures can be expensive and must be weighed up against the cost of rebuilding damaged areas.
Government Response
As the effects of flooding become more severe, numerous governments along the Mississippi have responded with increased investment and the implementation of policy changes. In 1993, the US government established the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), through which residents living in high-risk areas can insure their property for flooding events. Although premiums are expensive, this type of insurance can provide an important financial safety net in the event of flooding.
Government initiatives have also focused on reducing the amount of material entering the river. During the 1950s, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) formulated the Natchez Plan, which involved the installation of thousands of sand traps along the river, in an attempt to reduce sediment loads. In addition, in an effort to reduce the impact of flooding, the USACE has constructed tributary dams, which are able to hold back and reduce the rate at which floodwaters enter the river.
Public Perception
Public perception of flood management along the Mississippi is mixed. On the one hand, the community has generally welcomed the construction of LEEDs, floodways and flood forecast systems, which assist in mitigating the impacts of flooding. However, public opinion of large-scale restoration projects has been more divided, with some feeling that such works are ineffective and a waste of public money.
Furthermore, the public is typically underprepared for floods; surveys suggest that most Americans do not realize the full financial risks associated with flooding and remain unconcerned about increasing water levels. In order to address this, US government initiatives, such as the FEMA flood education program, have been implemented to raise public awareness of flood-related risks and help communities become better prepared for flooding.
Conclusion
Mississippi river floods have been an unfortunate yet inevitable part of life for those living along the banks of the river. As a result, members of affected communities have adapted their behaviors and lifestyles to cope with the risks associated with flooding. Through construction of levees and floodways, establishment of evacuation plans, implementation of flood forecasting systems and education of the public, people have been better prepared to face the challenges posed by flooding. Although floods remain a threat, individuals and communities living along the Mississippi are now better equipped to respond.
