The Mississippi River flood of 2018 was one of the most devastating floods in United States history. It caused an estimated $25 billion in economic damage and affected an estimated total of 66 million people in seven states, stretching from Ohio to Louisiana. In addition to major property damage, the floods resulted in a loss of human life, including 19 people along the Mississippi River alone.
Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana were the states that felt the worst effects of the floods. Record-breaking peak discharges caused extensive flooding along the entire length of the river. In Arkansas, extreme flooding caused the displacement of 1,400 people and the evacuation of several communities.
To assess just how much water the Mississippi during this flood, experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as well as the United States Geological Survey utilized remote sensing and modeling technology to measure flooding impacts, flood depths, and more. Areas most impacted by the floods were in the Lower Mississippi Basin and earthen levees along the River reached peak discharges of more than 200,000 cubic feet per second. Effects from the flooding were felt downstream from Cairo, Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico, with regions impacted most suffering from peak discharges over three times the long-term average.
The flooding of the Mississippi River is the direct result of its expansive size, complex network of tributaries, and the presence of densely populated towns and cities situated in low-lying areas. With 460,000 square miles of drainage area, the Upper Mississippi stretches from Minnesota to Missouri and is the second largest river system in North America. The Lower Mississippi basin alone stretches from St. Louis to the Gulf of Mexico and is by far the largest tributary region in terms of size and population, with a drainage area of 184,000 square miles.
The Mississippi River flood of 2018 was the fourth largest flood on record since the US Army Corps of Engineers began measuring floods in 1844. With the combination of an unusually wet year, especially across the Midwest, as well as an early onset of the spring snowmelt, record peak flood levels were seen in some areas along the Mississippi River. With more than a foot of rain over six weeks, total discharge of water from the river exceeded 1 million cubic feet per second by the height of peak flood levels.
The amount of water in the Mississippi River during the 2018 floods was unprecedented. Experts believe that the floods were made worse due to man-made factors, including climate change, population growth, and deforestation. As populations increase near river systems and land changes, it can alter the natural flow of a river and make it more prone to flooding. Climate experts believe that changes in average yearly temperatures, precipitation patterns, and sea levels can also contribute to increased flooding of rivers like the Mississippi.
Effects
The floods of 2018 had a devastating effect on many communities along the Mississippi River. Homes were destroyed, businesses were lost, and entire towns were completely inundated by the water. In some of the worst hit areas, such as Arkansas and Louisiana, entire towns were evacuated as the waters continued to rise. Many of the towns affected by the floods simply cannot afford to rebuild on their own and will require outside assistance. With so many people displaced and so much property damaged, the effects of the flood have been far-reaching.
In addition to the financial effects of the floods, there were also some environmental impacts. The flooding released hundreds of tons of nutrient-rich sediment, which has the potential to cause long-term ecological damage. Nutrients in the water, combined with an already-high level of fertilizer and chemical runoff, have caused a massive algae bloom in the Gulf of Mexico. This has had a devastating effect on marine life, as the algae is toxic to many organisms.
The flooding also caused extensive damage to infrastructure, such as roads and bridges. This has caused major issues for folks living in the flooded areas, making it difficult for them to get to work and other necessary places. With more and more roads being washed away by the waters, some areas are becoming increasingly isolated from the rest of the state.
Restoration Efforts
Despite the devastating effects of the floods, there have been some positive steps towards restoring the area. The federal government has allocated billions of dollars in relief funds to the affected areas, and volunteer organizations have been providing assistance to folks who need it. Many groups are also working to restore and protect the environment, with some dedicated to replanting trees and restoring wildlife habitats.
The Army Corps of Engineers has been working diligently to repair the levees and other infrastructure that were adversely affected by the floods. As part of the relief efforts, they have also been working to improve the overall condition of the Mississippi River, by dredging and removing sediment and debris from the riverbed. This is an important part of rebuilding and protecting the area from future floods.
In addition, there are steps that individuals in the affected areas can take to help with the recovery process. This includes planting trees and plants near streams and rivers to help reduce erosion, as well as conserving energy and keeping pollutants out of waterways. Supporting local businesses and using renewable energy sources can also help to reduce the strain on the environment.
What Can be Done to Prevent Future Floods
One way to prevent future floods is to improve the resilience of the communities in the affected areas. This can be done through better land use planning and zoning laws, as well as improved infrastructure. Communities can also work towards mitigating the effects of flooding by creating green spaces that can act as natural buffers between buildings and the river. Building better stormwater management and flood warning systems can also help to reduce the impacts of future floods.
Another way to reduce the risk of flooding is to improve public awareness and education. People living in flood-prone areas should understand the risks that they are facing and take steps to protect their homes and businesses. This could include purchasing flood insurance, elevating vulnerable buildings, and making emergency plans for evacuation. Educating local officials about flood risk management is also important in order to ensure that their decisions are informed and that the safety of their constituents is a priority.
Finally, organizations and individuals should work together to promote sound environmental practices. This includes reducing pollution, conserving energy, preserving natural landscapes, and restoring wetlands. These measures can help to keep river systems healthy, reduce flooding, and ensure a sustainable future for all.
Conclusion – What Does it All Mean
The flooding of the Mississippi River in 2018 was one of the worst in US history, causing an estimated $25 billion in damages and affecting millions of people in seven states. The amount of water in the river during the floods was unprecedented, and the effects were felt in communities along the entire length of the river. However, with a combination of government aid and community-led initiative, there is some hope for restoring the area. With better land use planning, improved infrastructure, public education and outreach, and sustainable initiatives, businesses and individuals can work together to reduce the impacts of future floods and make the communities along the Mississippi River more resilient.
