Mississippi Flooding – Missouri and Illinois
The Mississippi River, which snakes its way through 10 states in the United States, is the world’s third-longest major river. Every year, the mighty river swells with heavy rainfall, floods its banks, and inundates fields and towns in its path. From April to May 2019, river flooding threatened a 200-mile stretch of the river along the border of Missouri and Illinois.
The flooding was not of an unexpected nature. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), heavy rain had caused high water levels in the river for weeks. The USGS described the flooding as “major flooding”, noting that the high water levels had exceeded the highest levels expected in a given year, and that overland flooding had occurred in some areas.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimated that the water levels in the Mississippi between the states of Missouri and Illinois may reach flooding stage by mid-May. Indeed, by mid-May, the floodwaters rose to more than a foot above the record-setting peak of the 1973 floods and swamped several communities. The highest water level measured in Cape Girardeau, Missouri reached 49.1 feet.
Flooding of this magnitude put thousands of residents and homes at risk, as well as countless farms. Unfortunately, several state and local governments had not taken meaningful action to reduce the flooding in the area. Furthermore, there was a lack of sufficient regulations restricting residential and commercial development close to the river, and inadequate drainage systems.
Local governments and nonprofit organizations had prepared for the flooding before it occurred. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had made several sandbag and culverts along the river to protect towns and farms, while non-profit organizations such as the Red Cross provided food, shelter, and medical assistance to communities affected by the flooding.
Fortunately, no catastrophic damage or deaths were reported; however, the long-term environmental consequences of the flooding are uncertain. Nutrients carried by the floodwaters may cause excessive algae growth in local waterways, and road and bridge repairs may take years to complete.
Recovery and Relief Efforts
The flooding has had a major impact on the economies of both Missouri and Illinois. Millions of dollars in financial aid have been allocated to the region for flood victims, in addition to the property damage caused by the high water levels. The governor of Illinois declared the flooding a state of emergency, and both states opened up disaster recovery centers in various towns.
Organizations have been providing relief to flood victims as well. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), for example, distributed sandbags and coordinated with local groups to provide mental health resources, safe housing and food, and volunteer assistance to those affected by the flooding.
news-management companies are partnering with nonprofits to form a Disaster Relief Network. This partnership will provide a platform for those affected by the flooding to connect with the necessary relief services, such as food, shelter, and mental health services. In addition, organizations are also raising funds to help victims rebuild their homes and businesses.
The Illinois and Missouri governments have been working together to provide comprehensive relief. This collaboration has included the formation of several task forces, such as a panel of transportation, environmental and agricultural experts to measure the effects of the flooding.
Ongoing Prevention Efforts
In order to prevent future flooding, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has implemented a series of measures to reduce the height and speed of the rising water levels. Projects have been undertaken to construct levees, dams, and flood walls along the river. These projects will help mitigate the risk of overland flooding in the future.
The governments of Missouri and Illinois have also been collaborating to develop more comprehensive strategies for reducing the risk of flooding. For example, the states have been working on changes to regulations that govern residential and commercial development close to the river. The emphasis is on ensuring that construction takes into consideration the risk of flooding and takes the necessary steps to prevent or minimize damages.
In addition, the two states have been working together to create an interconnected infrastructure of levees and dams to protect towns along the river and nearby tributaries. This system will help reduce the risk of damage in the case of future flooding.
The region has also received funding from the federal government to invest in flood plain mapping. The mapping will help identify areas at high risk of flooding, so that proper protective measures may be taken. Local authorities and community members can also use the maps to better prepare for future floods.
Effects on Tourism
The flooding in Missouri and Illinois has negatively impacted tourism. The flooding, in addition to the infrastructure damage caused by the waters, has forced many tourist sites, such as Nature parks in both states, to remain closed for weeks. Hotels and restaurants along the river have also seen a decrease in tourist numbers.
Fortunately, local governments are taking steps to revitalize the tourism industry in the wake of the flooding. For example, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is offering a range of grants and other forms of assistance to businesses and organizations affected by the flooding. The state government of Illinois has also begun a public education campaign to inform tourists of the recovery efforts and to encourage tourism.
Long Term Solutions
Although the flooding along the Mississippi River in Missouri and Illinois has affected thousands of people, both states have been working hard to improve the situation. Nonetheless, long-term strategies must still be implemented in order to better prepare for future floods. Such strategies should include improved regional coordination between government agencies, as well as better implementation of existing regulations and policies.
In addition, organizations and the general public must recognize the need for greater investments in infrastructure, such as constructing concrete levees and dams, as well as developing a more comprehensive flood prevention system. Enhancing flood forecasting technology and implementing better water management practices could also help reduce the risk of flooding.
The devastating floods in Missouri and Illinois have highlighted the need for better-preparedness and flood prevention measures in the region. The most advanced infrastructure and regulations cannot guarantee complete protection against floods, but they can help reduce their frequency and lessen the impact they have on communities.
The Impact of Climate Change
Climate change is an undeniable force of destruction and its impact on rivers is an important factor to consider when dealing with flooding. Rising temperatures cause increased evaporation, leading to higher rainfall and snowmelt. These conditions can potentially lead to higher river water levels and faster flowing water that increase the risk of flooding.
According to experts from the USGS, the likelihood of such conditions occurring increases as global temperatures continue to rise. The USGS has also identified the Mississippi River as one of several key rivers that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The United States government must take this risk seriously and formulate a plan of action to address the effects of climate change on its waterways.
Climate change has also had another impact in the Mississippi River flooding. The melting of snow and glaciers in other parts of the world can affect the volume of water in the Mississippi, creating higher water levels and an increased risk of flooding.
The Mississippi River flooding of 2019 has highlighted the threat of climate change on America’s waterways, and the need for further preventative measures. Flooding is inevitable and can have devastating impacts on economic and ecological systems. Awareness and understanding of this issue are essential for effective management of this critical issue.
Conclusion
The 2019 flooding of the Mississippi River between Missouri and Illinois highlighted the risks of flooding and the need for better preventative measures. The governments of both states are taking action to reduce the risk of future flooding through better infrastructure, regulations, and preparedness. The effects of climate change on river flooding must also be taken into consideration, and new strategies must be developed to address this issue.
