Situated in the south-west corner of the United States, the mighty Mississippi river has flooded its banks in the past. Memphis in Tennessee is situated on the banks of the river and its population is subject to the risk of floods. Despite the river being a major source of transport and industry for the city, the population of Memphis is strongly affected by the event of heavy flooding.
It is not unusual for the river to rise to over 10 feet and flows can reach up to 35 millions gallons of water per second flow down the river. In periods of heavy rains, the flooding can become severe and can have disasterous effects on the local population. This has been especially true over the last five years, as the river has risen to such an extent that a number of areas have been flooded.
In 2018, the river saw a significant increase in water levels, with flooding of areas such as Mud Island and Downtown Memphis. This led to the disruption of the city’s infrastructure, with roads and bridges being closed down due to the high water. During the same period, a total of 102 National Flood Insurance Program-insured properties were flooded and more than 150 basements were filled with water.
The Missouri-Mississippi Rivers Commission introduced in 2011 a new Flood Risk Reduction Program, aiming to reduce the risk of flooding in Memphis by building levees, levee systems and other infrastructure. This has helped to reduce the risk of flooding, with levees now protecting a number of areas close to the riverbank.
Despite these measures, the risk of flooding in Memphis remains high and in extreme weather conditions the city’s infrastructure can still be affected. This is largely due to the fact that the city’s infrastructure is not designed to cope with extreme levels of water, with most buildings not being able to withstand floods of more than a few feet.
Additionally, some areas of the city are particularly vulnerable, such as the low-lying areas close to the river. During the 2018 floods, the water levels rose so high that numerous building were submerged and some roads were completely flooded. This has, in turn, put a strain on the city’s infrastructure, with the roads and bridges being particularly affected.
Industry and economy
The flooding in Memphis can have a serious impact on the city’s industry and economy. Flooding can damage roads, bridges and other infrastructure, making it difficult to move goods, services and people in and out of the city. Additionally, the flooding can disrupt businesses, putting a strain on the economy.
The flooding of the Mississippi river in Memphis can have disastrous effects on the local industry. For instance, during the floods of 2018, a number of factories, businesses and restaurants were shut down, resulting in a loss of hundreds of jobs. This is because the flooding caused a significant disruption in business operations, as well as a shortage of power and water.
In addition, the floods caused significant damage to agricultural land, with farmers losing crops and livestock. This has created a strain on the local economy, with many farmers losing much of their income. This, in turn, has led to the decline of the agricultural industry in the region.
Overall, the flooding of the Mississippi river can have significant economic implications for Memphis. The disruption of business, the decline of the agricultural sector, and the damage to infrastructure can all have a negative impact on the local economy.
Evacuation
In order to prevent the risk of loss of life and serious injury when floods occur, the city of Memphis has enacted a number of evacuation plans. During periods of high water levels, people are encouraged to leave the areas most at risk, such as those near the riverbanks.
A key part of this evacuation process involves the evacuation of houses and businesses located close to the river. People living in these areas are urged to move to higher ground, as flooding can occur very quickly. This helps to prevent people from being stranded in their homes in the event of a flood.
In addition, the city has also established an Early Warning System, which aims to alert residents when floods are likely to occur. This system consists of rain and river gauges, which measure the water levels in the area and provide early warning of any significant rises. This system helps to give the residents vital time to evacuate in the event of a flood.
In conclusion, the flooding of the Mississippi river in Memphis is a serious issue that has major implications for the city and its residents. The city has implemented a number of schemes to help reduce the risk of flooding, such as the Flood Risk Reduction Program, the Early Warning System and evacuation plans. However, despite these measures, the risk of flooding remains high and needs to be taken seriously.
Impact on the environment
The flooding of the Mississippi river can have serious consequences on the environment, with the risks of water pollution, soil erosion, and the destruction of wildlife.
One of the major concerns is water pollution. The flood waters can carry numerous pollutants, such as oil, chemicals, industrial waste and sewage, all of which can contaminate water sources. This can lead to waterborne diseases, as well as reducing the quality of the water, making it unfit for drinking.
Soil erosion is also a major concern. The floodwaters can erode and wash away the soil, causing it to be deposited elsewhere. This can reduce the fertility of the soil, impacting crop production and can even lead to the destruction of wetlands.
Furthermore, the destruction of habitats for wildlife can occur as a result of floods. The floodwaters can wash away nests and burrows, destroying the homes of creatures such as birds and mice. This destruction can cause significant disruption to the natural environment.
Overall, the flooding of the Mississippi river in Memphis can have serious implications for the environment. It is therefore important that steps are taken to mitigate the risks associated with floods, such as the implementation of new infrastructure and better access to evacuation plans.
Protection through levees
Levees are a form of flood protection system used to protect against the flooding of the Mississippi river. The levees are embankments that are built along the river’s edge, and act as a barrier to the water. During a flood, the levees stop the floodwaters from overflowing onto the land, reducing the potential damage.
The levees also help to reduce the risk of erosion. The water is diverted away from the land and into the river, reducing the amount of soil being eroded by the river. This helps to keep the soil in a better condition, allowing it to retain its fertility.
Furthermore, the levees can provide protection to areas that are otherwise vulnerable to flooding. They can act as a barrier, keeping the water away from vulnerable areas, such as those close to the riverbank. This helps to reduce the risk of flooding and protect lives and property.
Overall, levees can be an effective form of flood protection for areas affected by the flooding of the Mississippi river. They can help to reduce the risk of damage to land, infrastructure and living beings, and can provide protection to areas otherwise subject to flooding.
Conclusion
Flooding of the Mississippi river in Memphis can have serious consequences for the city and its population. It can have serious impacts on the industry and economy, as well as on the environment. The city has implemented a number of schemes to help reduce the risk of flooding, such as the Flood Risk Reduction Program, the Early Warning System and evacuation plans. However, the risk of flooding remains high and needs to be taken seriously. Levees provide one form of protection against the flooding of the river, but it is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to minimize them.
