Mississippi river is expected to crest on May 5 2018, causing wide spread concern, specially among local residents, as the rising waters could submerge many homes, roads and bridges in the process. The flood is expected to hit the 12 states located along the banks of the Mississippi, resulting in drastic changes within communities that are sure to take a good toll on the local economy.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that the flooding is likely to be particularly dangerous within the long stretches of the Mississippi River. The main reason for the rise in water levels is the copious amount of rain that has been observed in the past few months. Climate scientists believe that global warming is mainly to be blamed for the increased amount of precipitation patterns across the southwestern part of United States.
To cope with the impending danger, many regional governmental and non governmental organizations have pooled in their resources and are in the process of constructing sand levees, pumping stations and other emergency relief systems to prepare for the inevitable flooding. Although some people are of the view that common citizens should also adapt new agricultural and drainage systems, the majority believe that it would be a very difficult and time consuming task since the upkeep of such projects require continuous maintenance and economic resources.
State authorities have also begun informing population regarding the possible relief measures they will be required to take in the case of a major flood. During the current situation, residents living in the affected areas are being asked to evacuate to safer ground and avoid travelling though the dangerous streets as much as possible.
Despite the extensive prevention measures taken by civil and government agencies, some environmentalists are of the view that the breeding grounds of many aquatic species could be critically damaged in the event of flooding. As per research from USA Geological Survey, it’s been observed that the Mississippi River is home to a wide range of native and introduced fish species, some of which are critically endangered due to the wetlands being greatly affected by human activities over the years.
Impact On Coastal Towns
Most of the towns located at the ocean ends of the Mississippi River are facing the risk of water levels climbing high enough over the next few days as per prediction by NWS. Places like Barataria, Grand Isle, Venice and Chalmette are particularly at risk as the flooding could increase to dangerous levels by the time it reaches these regions.
Residents of these places are being especially warned on the effects of this unpredictable event.For instance those struggling from mental health could be particularly vulnerable to the stress of the situation which has the potential to impact their already fragile mental state adversely.
Reports from the Mississippi government agencies suggest that the risk of extra flooding can be especially felt in county areas like Plaquemines, St. Charles and St. James as a result of being close to the river. However, according to the Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness, an early warning system will be in place to alert local people of any upcoming danger at such areas.
Medias Role In Alerting The Public
The media has played an important role in updating and alerting people in relation to the Mississippi River. Several newspapers, television channels, radio programs, and magazines have publicly reported the update regarding the situation day by day while giving equal attention to the increase in water levels and the recovery work.
Through such media coverage, the citizens of affected areas were kept informed of the rescuing measures that were being taken by the government as well as everyday citizens alike. Social media has also played a great role in providing quick updates as well as connecting people with other local disaster relief programs.
Affect On Local Ecologies
The flooding of the Mississippi river is expected to have a great impact on the overall wildlife and ecosystems located in the vicinity of the river. Research from Ornithological Surveys suggests that some species of migratory birds depend on the wetlands near the Mississippi River for spawning, mating, and nesting purposes.
In addition, reptiles such as alligators, snakes, and turtles are likely to be affected due to disruption of their difficult habitats. Many aquatic species will also be exposed to an increased level of pollutants in the water which could be potentially detrimental to their overall population sizes and health.
Economic Impact Of The Flooding
The expected flooding of the Mississippi River will likely have a great impact on the tourism and agricultural-based economy of the states located near the river. For example, according to a research done by Mississippi State University, a significant number of vegetable and animal products are obtained from the Mississippi River.
Additionally, the area is said to attract a significant number of tourists, who come to the area for fishing and other outdoor activities. Tourism has, thus far, been a major source of income for the people living in the region.The flooding could drive away much of these tourists, resulting in a greater economic burden being placed on the affected states.
Socioeconomic Impact On The Affected Regions
The rising waters of the Mississippi River are expected to have the greatest impact on the low socio-economic sections of the affected areas. Many of these people live in vulnerable locations and could potentially be our of their homes due to the flooding.
People living near the river are highly worried as most of them are not able to shift to a safer location due to financial limitations. In addition, many flood vulnerable nations around the world donot have access to suitable relief efforts as relief funds and resources are already limited due to economic constraints.
Effects On Food Security
As the flooding of the Mississippi River will likely have a major impact on the food chain of the region, the future of many low-income people depending on it is uncertain. This will have a direct impact on food security as the flooding could potentially damage croplands and reduce crop yields for both domestic and international consumption.
Moreover, fishery resources, such as catfish, will also be affected negatively as the flooding makes waters conducive to the growth of numerous invasive species. These speciesmay affect native fish populations in the river and its tributaries, putting additional pressure on the state’s fishing industry.
Lack Of Knowledge Among Citizens
Although there has been significant awareness in terms of the flooding of the Mississippi River, there could be a lack of relevant knowledge among the public as to what to do in case of such a situation. According to a survey done by the Delta State University, about 70% of the population living near the Mississippi River lack the information and guidance necessary to take appropriate action in the case of the river spilling over its banks.
Despite media coverage, many people are still unaware of the relief efforts and lack of information could result in a large number of casualties. It is, thus, important that adequate awareness campaigns are organized prior to any expected rise in water levels, as this will help in reducing the number of losses as well as enabling people to respond quickly and properly.
Lack Of Coordination Between Authorities
Finally, the lack of coordination between various public and private organizations, state governments, and non-governmental organizations could make it difficult for them to respond to the flooding in a timely manner.For instance, some people may be unaware of the sand levee system, while others may have limited access to relief funds from local and private sources due to bureaucratic delays in approval.
Additionally, there may also be problems related to the lack of unified regional messaging, which could lead to misunderstandings and chaos in time of a disaster. Calm deliberation, proper understanding and clear communication are, thus, important aspects in a time of a disaster.
