The Mississippi River Flood in 2019
As one of the largest rivers in the United States, with a length of more than 2,320 miles, the Mississippi River has an important role in commerce, recreation and environmental conservation. Every year, large sections of the Midwest, along with some of the southern states, are affected by floods due to the Mississippi. 2019 has been no exception.
Experts predict that the Mississippi River will reach the highest flood levels in decades in 2019. The National Weather Service has forecasted that the Mississippi River will reach major flood status in many areas, especially in the Midwest, which will pose a significant risk to both people and property.
The flooding is caused by several different factors. Heavy rainfall events in the spring and summer season contribute to the higher levels of water in the Mississippi River. Warmer temperatures don’t help either as they lead to increased evaporation, which adds to the amount of water in the river. The floods are also known to cause loss of farmable land, especially in the Midwest, where the crop production can be significantly decreased due to the water levels.
Projections for the Mississippi River flooding levels in 2019 suggest that some areas may see heights up to 20 feet or more in certain regions. This is concerning for those inhabiting the areas, as it can lead to flooded roads and homes, and the displacement of thousands of people living near the river. The floods can also cause dangerous contamination of drinking water, as many homes in the Midwest depend on groundwater as a main source.
In order to prepare and potentially minimize the damage caused by these floods, different communities are taking action. Some states are coordinating evacuation plans, while other towns are using sandbags and flood walls to provide extra protection against the rising waters. Other approaches include digging drainage canals to reduce the flooding areas, while also conserving and restoring wetlands which act as buffers against water rises. Unfortunately, these solutions do not always guarantee the protection of the surrounding areas.
It is difficult to predict the exact areas and populations that will be most affected by this year’s floods. However, everyone living or travelling through the river basin should be aware of the potential risks of the flooding. In addition, those who are dependent on the river for agricultural or recreational activities may need to reassess their plans for the near future.
The Environmental Impact
The long term effects of the Mississippi River flooding on the environment remain unknown. In the short term, flooding causes damage to natural habitats, with wildlife and vegetation unable to endure the high waters or the changes to the landscape. Areas that are prone to flooding can be subjected to soil erosion, leading to nutrient depletion and changes in soil quality.
On the other hand, floods can also bring positive ecological effects. Sediments can move downstream, filling in the low spots and creating new habitats. Areas which experience regular flooding can even benefit from healthy alluvial deposits, which bring in rich, fertilizing soils. This can lead to the growth of new plant species and an increase in biodiversity.
In many cases, the ultimate effects of the Mississippi River flooding depend on the degree of protection applied by communities. Sustainable flood protection involves the conservation and restoration of wetlands, as they can act as natural buffers to high water levels. An adequate balance between economic activities and absorbing nature-based solutions can help preserve the environment from increased flooding.
The Social Impacts
The effects of the floods on social aspects of the Mississippi River basin are apparent. People living in the region are exposed to physical, psychological, and economic risks stemming from the floods. Loss of private property is often the most direct effect of flooding. In certain cases, residents have to be evacuated from their homes and leave their belongings behind. This can cause loss of income if the person is unable to continue their job while they are away, as well as an emotional toll.
The impact of the flooding is not just on individuals, but also on the community. Some cities may need to place restrictions on recreational activities such as fishing, boating and swimming. This can reduce the tourism in the areas, leading to loss of seasonal income for local businesses and communities.
The U.S. government is committed to providing aid for the affected communities. They have implemented long-term economic assistance plans, such as the Mississippi River Delta Restoration Program, to counter the economic impact of the floods. The US Army Corps of Engineers also works to reduce flood risk and promote community resilience.
Mitigation Strategies
The most important strategy used to ensure the safety of the inhabitants of the Mississippi River basin is developing a better understanding of the flooding patterns by using computer modeling and simulations. These models can track the progression of floodwaters, as well as the population density of a region and its potential evacuation routes. This type of planning can help increase safety while limiting economic losses.
Other mitigation strategies include the control of erosion due to channel deepening activities carried out by the US Army Corps of Engineers. These activities can reduce the risk of flooding, but also decrease the reservoir storage capacity, as deeper streams can speed up its flow.
In addition, local municipalities and communities need to be aware of current safe building practices for structures in flood-prone areas. Understanding the benefits of wise land use policies can help managers change their land-use planning, limiting urbanization in areas with a high risk of flooding and aiding in preservation of crucial wetland ecosystems.
Coping Strategies
When citizens and local officials prepare for extreme flooding events along the Mississippi, they can often feel powerless in the face of such a force of nature. However, there are strategies they can adopt to cope with the stress and become better prepared. Some of these strategies include educating oneself on the potential risks of floods, as well as unlocking previously ignored resources.
Organizational skills are also essential to prepare for the flooding. Keeping ready-to-go kits with necessary supplies in case of floods, clear and efficient evacuation plans, and training sessions for potential evacuees are just some of the measures that can be taken.
Another way to tackle the stress that floods can generate is engaging with the community. Many towns and villages along the Mississippi have organized working groups in order to coordinate activities and practices before, during and after the floods. This can be an effective way to prepare and interact with others, while developing new skills.
Communication Strategies
In the days leading to a flood, effective communication from authorities to citizens can be crucial. Mass media outlets can provide crucial risk assessment messaging for areas in danger, as well as evacuation protocols. Notices about curfew and potential areas to avoid can also help ensure the protection of the population in case of a flooding event.
Additionally, social media can be a powerful tool to warn people in advance of potential floods, while keeping track of areas that have already been affected. Furthermore, social media can be used to coordinate relief efforts after the floodwaters recede. Efforts such as these can significantly reduce the stress and suffering of those communities.
Although scientific efforts have successfully reduced the risk of floods, extreme weather events can still surprise communities. Proactive planning and an adequate understanding of the dynamics governing the flooding of the Mississippi River can significantly increase the resilience of the population and communities living along its basin.
