The Mississippi River has been at flood stage for a very long time now and the effects it has been having on the surrounding areas have been quite devastating. Flooding is the overflow of the river, which often occurs when there is too much water and the river can no longer contain it. The impact of this extends far beyond the immediate area of the flooding, as the water has the potential to affect multiple states, causing a wide range of damage to the environment and the local economy.
For many living in the communities around the river, the high water levels come with a host of associated problems. Roads and bridges become inaccessible, communities are cut off from essential services and infrastructure, as well as the difficulty of moving goods and services around. In some cases, families and businesses have been displaced, with some being forced to relocate to higher ground.
In terms of measuring the flooding, the amount of water present at any given time is determined by the river’s gauge stage. This gauge stage is an expression of the elevation of the surface water of the river and is typically expressed in feet. Generally speaking, when the gauge stage hits 12 feet or higher, it is at flood stage. This can be different depending on the location, as a lower gauge stage is needed in areas that are naturally prone to flooding.
At this moment in time, the gauge stage of the Mississippi River is just a few feet shy of the 17.1 feet flood stage in many parts along the river. This is an incredibly serious situation, as once the gauge hits this mark, the water begins to spread out across the land, creating potentially hazardous conditions and damaging whatever it comes in contact with. As the waters rise, so too does the likelihood of more serious damage and destruction.
When this happens, the US Army Corps of Engineers often steps in, as they are tasked with controlling and managing the river’s flow. This includes monitoring gauges to help predict and prevent flooding, as well as taking steps to control the river’s floodwaters. These steps could include anything from dredging to strengthen levees and berms, to flood-proofing buildings close to the river.
To get a better understanding of the situation and its direct implications, it is important to hear perspectives from experts who live and work in the areas affected by the flooding. At present, many local politicians and engineers are beginning to worry about the extended threat of the flooding, both in terms of the immediate damage being caused, but also the possible long-term impacts on the area’s economy and environment.
It is clear to see that while flood stage is a natural part of life in the Mississippi River valley, it is also something that needs to be taken very seriously. The river is reaching dangerously high levels right now and without a quality intervention, the consequences could be even more disastrous.
Additional Impacts
The devastating impacts of the current flooding reaches even further beyond the destruction of property and infrastructure. With the water levels stretching over hundreds of miles throughout the valley, communities have been experiencing shortages in essential supplies. As well as being cut off from goods and services, there have also been reports of a water contamination throughout the area, which has led to public health concerns.
A further issue is that of agricultural productivity. The flooding has caused plenty of disruption in the farming areas, which will likely have an adverse effect on the locals’ ability to produce food for the upcoming season. Furthermore, with the waters having risen to such a point, farmers are at risk of losing their property altogether.
It is clear to see that while the people in the affected areas remain resilient and determined in the face of disaster, the magnitude of destruction could soon be too overwhelming to bear. Without the adequate financial and material support, there is no telling just how bad the situation could get.
Environmental Effects
The environmental impact of the flooding is another major concern that needs to be addressed urgently. From the increased pollution of the water due to the mismanagement of toxins, to the destruction of habitats, the negative impacts are being felt throughout the area.
Coupled with this is the destruction of natural landscapes such as wetlands. This kind of destruction not only causes harm to the ecosystem, but it can also affect biodiversity, which in turn harms the inhabitants of the area.
The environment surrounding The Mississippi River has been in a delicate state for some time now, and with the river now at over the flood stage, the situation has only gotten worse. It is therefore essential that steps are taken to limit the destruction, both in the short and long-term.
Preparedness and Mitigation Strategies
An overarching strategy should be implemented to ensure that the Mississippi River valley is better prepared for any related disasters in the future. This should include better structural engineering, improved drainage systems, and the creation of flood control systems.
In addition, there should also be a stronger focus on preparedness. People should receive better education and training on how to respond when flooding occurs and perhaps even have access to resources in the event that they need to relocate. Furthermore, communities should come together to coordinate an adequate evacuation process.
Finally, attention should be given to developing better flood prediction systems. Such a system would be able to better predict when and how much flooding may occur, which in turn can help those responsible for controlling the river mitigate any potential damage.
Financial Implications
The flooding of the Mississippi River has had a very significant financial impact on the people who live in and around the affected areas. For example, the cost of repair and cleanup can be incredibly expensive, and families and businesses have been left with no other choice but to shell out large sums of money to get their houses and properties back to habitable standards.
When it comes to the cost of flood insurance, already-vulnerable communities have been hit the hardest. This, in turn, is causing more people to be pushed out of their homes due to high insurance premiums and the fear of even higher bills further down the line.
The financial cost of the flooding on individuals, families and businesses is undeniable, yet the economic cost is much more difficult to measure. The damage of floods goes far beyond the repairs and cleanliness needed to make things right, as it can also lead to a decrease in housing prices, job losses and even a hit to tourism.
Political Action
With so much at stake, it is essential that people of higher political powers begin to take the flooding of the Mississippi River seriously. Actions should be taken to ensure that adequate resources are provided to those affected by the flood, as well as steps to ensure that the river is better managed in the future.
Similar initiatives are being pursued in other states, such as Louisiana and Texas, and it would be beneficial for the same to extend to the Mississippi Valley. This could involve the introduction of stronger policies to limit the destruction caused by floods and incentivizing the early adoption of flood control systems.
It goes without saying that the surrounding area of the Mississippi River is of immense cultural and economic significance and therefore requires the utmost attention and protection. All relevant political bodies should strive to ensure that the people and environment of the Mississippi River valley are kept safe.
Conclusion
It is difficult to estimate the full cost of the flooding of the Mississippi River, both financially and emotionally. In the immediate future, it is essential that resources are extended to those affected and urgent steps are taken to ensure that the damage is prevented. However this cannot be the long-term answer, as it is equally important that those in higher political powers provide a more robust and complete plan so that the flooding of the Mississippi River, and its effects, can be adequately mitigated.
