Historical Record of the Mississippi River Floods in Memphis
The Mississippi River is a major United States waterway that connects the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. This enormous river has been a natural resource for the people of Memphis since its establishment in 1819. The city’s reliance on the river has been inseparable, as it remains a crucial piece of infrastructure today. Over the years, the Mississippi River has caused destructive floods in the city. In fact, the force of this river causes it to overflow its banks in Memphis approximately once every three to seven years.
Memphis has a rich record of the Mississippi River’s flooding history. In 1867, the river was at its highest of 56.2 feet before rising again in 1916 when it reached a staggering 48.7 feet. The city’s worst floods occurred in 1937 and 1945. In the latter, the Mississippi River flooded much of the city, leaving behind devastating damages. The waters nearly reached the eaves of the most elevated homes as it engulfed hundreds of acres of real estate. Businesses were heavily affected, resulting in lost production and employment opportunities.
The frequent overflows of the Mississippi River created a need for the construction of a flood wall. In 1955, the US Army Corps of Engineers introduced a series of levees to protect the residents of Memphis. As a result, most major flooding events have been avoided since then. Despite this, the people of the city live in constant fear of the potential damages a flood can bring with it.
Experts’ Perspectives on the Mississippi River Floods in Memphis
A number of expert opinions have been voiced on the issue of flooding at the Mississippi River in Memphis. Dr. John Simmons, an expert on the climate patterns of the area, believes that the phenomenon is a result of natural occurrences and cannot be attributed to any one specific cause. He suggests that there are a number of variables at play such as climate change, precipitation levels and river dams that can play a role in flooding.
Hydraulic engineer Dr. Robert Bennett believes that the construction of the flood wall in 1955 was critical for reducing the risk of flooding. However, he says that the wall is not enough to keep the city safe from a devastating flood as one has occurred as recently as 2008. Bennett believes that the river has the capability to flood with greater force than this, and that the city must take all possible measures to adequately prepare.
University of Memphis Professor and local Memphis resident Dr. Lauren Parker attests to the fact that the river can rise quickly and unpredictably. She encourages people to stay informed of the current conditions and to have an evacuation plan in the event of a flood. She explains that the most important thing right now is being prepared and understanding the potential risks associated with flooding.
Current Responses to the Mississippi River Floods in Memphis
The city of Memphis is taking a number of proactive steps to prepare for future floods. In 2020, city authorities approved a series of improvements to the existing levees and dams. The works are estimated to cost $165 million and are planned to be completed within the next three years.
Furthermore, the Shelby County Office of Preparedness has been actively campaigning for residents to be aware of the risks associated with flooding. They have been providing tips on how to respond during a flood and are advocating for preparedness among the public. In collaboration with the office, the US Army Corps of Engineers is monitoring the river’s levels of water and making sure people are informed of the current conditions.
In addition to the work of government agencies, countless businesses and non-profits in Memphis are taking a stand against this threat. Organizations such as the Andrich Foundation and the US Fish and Wildlife Service are sponsoring projects and programs aimed at improving flood prevention techniques. For instance, the Andrich Foundation is leading a campaign to plant 10 thousand trees in the city to act as natural barriers against floods.
Socioeconomic Impact of the Mississippi River Floods in Memphis
The Mississippi River floods have had an undeniable impact on the city of Memphis. The 1937 flood put the entire city into a state of emergency, necessitating the construction of a shelter system to provide aid to the victims. The cost of the repair works after the 1945 flood totaled over $67 million, a large sum of money at the time. The 2008 flood alone caused more than $15 million in damages.
The repercussions of a flood can also lead to mental health issues in affected communities. According to studies conducted by the University of Memphis, residents affected were found to be more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. This is compounded with the fact that flooding can lead to the displacement of individuals and put them at greater risk of poverty.
Due to the socioeconomic cost of floods, local and federal authorities have created policies to subsidize the building of flood-resistant structures. Farmers are eligible for grants that allow them to improve their lands and mitigate the impact of floods. Other communities are granted tax relief to defray the costs associated with repairing damages incurred through flooding.
Proactive Measures for Flood Avoidance
Memphis is taking additional steps to avoid the risk of flooding. The City of Memphis is developing a comprehensive river management plan that features plans for restoring wetlands and native landscapes, that can act as natural buffers to reduce the intensity of flooding. The plan also calls for more stringent codes and regulations on development in order to protect heavily populated zones from the risk of floods.
Home owners in low-lying areas are encouraged to take their own proactive steps in preparing for a flood. These include purchasing protective barrier materials such as sandbags and plastic panels, as well as checking their home insurance policies to make sure they have adequate coverage in case of a flood.
Finally, being informed is the most important thing. People should be aware of the current conditions of the Mississippi River and be mindful of the potential risk they pose. There are a number of agencies that can provide information and updates on the current water levels and flooding warnings. Staying informed will ensure that people are prepared in the event of a flood.
Environmental Impact of Floods in Memphis
The flooding of the Mississippi River can also have a devastating environmental impact. As the river levels rise, so too does the salinity of the river, which can introduce species of saltwater fish into the otherwise freshwater region. In addition to this, flooding can lead to extensive soil erosion and the partial destruction of riparian forests and swamps.
The amount of debris and chemicals released into the river can be extremely hazardous for local wildlife and ecosystems. When the wastewater overflows, pollutants such as phosphorus and nitrogen can be dispersed throughout the watershed.
The effects of the floods on the environment can also have consequences on human health. In addition to the physical damage, floods can lead to the contamination of drinking water sources, making them unfit for human use. Furthermore, they can increase the proliferation of disease-carrying insects such as mosquitoes and other pests.
Conclusion
The floods caused by the Mississippi River in Memphis can often be devastating. The city has a long and illustrious record of the river’s flooding history, with extensive damages being reported in the 1937 and 1945 floods. Numerous experts have provided their insights into the matter, and the city is doing what it can to prepare for the threats that may come in the future.
Despite the measures in place, the risk of flooding is still very real. It is important that people stay informed, prepared, and proactive in order to mitigate the risks associated with flooding. Above all else, it is essential that the people of Memphis recognize the potential devastation that the Mississippi River can cause.
