Introduction
The Mississippi River is the second longest river system in the United States, and it has been subject to flooding since its formation. Despite the severity of floods in the past, the most notable event of the Mississippi River flood occurred in the spring of 1927, when extreme rainfall caused the river to reach an all-time high water mark. This unprecedented flooding affected 27 states in the American Midwest, primarily Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana. In addition, when riverside communities were inundated, more than 800,000 people were displaced from their homes.
Immediate Impact
The immense volume of water caused massive destruction in its wake, especially in vast sections of the Mississippi delta. Huge areas of land became inundated, and levees were overwhelmed by the water as well. Disastrous consequences of the Flood were far-reaching. In particular, plantations, railways, and whole towns were destroyed. In addition, an official death toll listed 248 lives lost due to the calamity, though it is estimated that the true figure is much higher.
The Root Cause
What caused this devastating situation? During the three months preceding the peak of the flood, the river had already been closed, due to severe drought in the preceding months. This had caused the accumulation of large amounts of water in spring, only to be released in the form of heavy rains. During this period, a majority of the lower half of the basement underwent severe flooding, with some areas remaining inundated for up to 18 weeks.
Extreme Rainfall
In the Mississippi flood of 1927 the volume of rainfall was astonishing. It was the biggest yet recorded, with certain elevation spots recording over 45 inches in the 15 days from May 29 to June 16, 1927. According to the National Weather Service, the average annual rainfall for Arkansas is 51.66 inches, which is well above the average annual global rainfall. The rainfall of the Mississippi flood was over 14 inches greater than the averageArkansas precipitation.
Devastating Consequences
The destruction caused by the flood was immense. On May 20, 1927, the city of Nashville, Tennessee, suffered its worst natural disaster in history, with assessments indicating direct damage of ?20 million, in addition to the indirect costs of ?2 billion,according to an official estimate from President Calvin Coolidge. This estimate was accurate in spite of being made without the benefit of modern methods of measurement. Phenomenal destruction followed along the entire Mississippi delta, causing destruction to forests and habitats, and leaving behind scars that took years to be smoothened out.
People Loss
The Mississippi flood of 1927 was an unparalleled disaster leading to human mortality. A statement made by a welfare commission in June 1927 reported 629 deaths in the 12 Southern states affected, though the figure was up to 1,567 persons lost in total. Out of the many towns wiped out by the flood, Mound Landing, Mississippi, in Issaquena County, counted the greatest losses of all, with over 50 percent of the population wiped out by the Waters.
Long Term Effects
The long-term effects of the Mississippi flood of 1927 have been severe and felt to this day. Entire local economies were destroyed, with the subsequent debt from cleanup efforts leading to businesses and plantations being sold off in what were known as ‘Adjustment Sales’. Areas are still vulnerable to this flooding, with the 2011 Mississippi river flood being a testament to this. Since 1971, the Mississippi River has experienced over 20 incidents of flooding due to excessive spring rains and snow melts.
Response to the Catastrophe
In response to the horrific destruction of the flooded regions, the federal government coordinated with state governments to build levees and build up existing ones to prevent such floods from happening again. Grant money and contributions from the American Red Cross were critical components in the post-flood rescue and recovery efforts. Overall, the response was swift and effective, putting an end to the decades of economic and environmental damage that had previously been suffered.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of the great Mississippi flood of 1927 was immense, with much of the habitat of the region being destroyed. The floodwaters caused rapid erosion of the topsoil of the affected regions, leading to immense soil depletion and changes in the ecosystems of the region. The floodwaters also caused an influx of saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico, which negatively impacted the regions soil chemistry. This in turn has had a direct effect on the growth of vegetation in the subsequent years.
Conclusion
The catastrophic effects of the Mississippi River flood of 1927 can still be seen today, in the form of shifting shorelines, soil erosion, and chemical imbalances and species die-off. It was the result of nature’s unpredictability, and an overabundance of rainfall, that caused the largest ever recorded flood in the region. While efforts have been made to lessen the effects of flooding in the affected regions, it is only a matter of time before a similar event occurs again. Thus, it is essential that steps are taken to ensure that the region remains prepared for any flooding associated with the Mississippi River.
