Background information
The Mississipi River is the second longest river in North America, stretching some 2,340 miles from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Historically, the river has been an important economic resource for the surrounding regions, providing water for drinking, industry, recreational activities, and wildlife habitats. In recent years, however, parts of the river have suffered from excessive flooding, substantially impacting the livelihoods of people living in those areas. Vicksburg, Mississippi, located along the Mississippi River, has experienced a significant increase in flooding over the past two decades, with 2019 seeing some major flooding along the river.
Relevant data
In April of 2019, two large storms caused the Mississippi River to exceed its banks and caused flooding within the city limits of Vicksburg, Mississippi. The floods peaked at 57.1 feet, nearly 6 feet above the Mississippi River’s normal level and one foot short of the all-time record of 58.1 feet set in 1937. The flooding lasted for several weeks, damaging homes, businesses and public infrastructure. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency estimated that the flooding caused at least $40 million in damage to the Vicksburg-area alone.
Expert perspectives
According to a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the flooding of the Mississippi River in 2019 is part of a larger trend of increased flooding that has been occurring for the past several decades. David Miskus, a scientist with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, explains that “Statistically, the Mississippi River is experiencing more frequent floods than it has in the past”. The report also notes that climate change is likely a contributing factor to the increased flooding.
Dr. Mark White, a flood specialist at the Mississippi State University Extension Service, agrees that the increased flooding is likely due to climate change, noting the higher-than-average rains and warmer temperatures in recent years. “Climate change is causing changes in rainfall and warm temperatures,” he states. “This is causing more frequent and more severe floods.”
Analysis and insights
The flooding of the Mississippi River in Vicksburg, Mississippi is a prime example of the impacts of climate change. As global temperatures continue to rise, heavier rainfall and warmer temperatures are causing rivers to swell and their banks to overflow with more frequency. The devastating effects of the 2019 flooding in Vicksburg serves as a stark reminder of the need to take steps to address climate change and reduce its impacts.
Economic costs
The economic costs of flooding along the Mississippi River can be tremendous. The city of Vicksburg alone estimated that the 2019 flooding caused more than $40 million in damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Experts also estimate that the costs of flood relief and recovery efforts are far higher than what is reported. Additionally, the long-term economic impacts of the flooding can be severe, with businesses losing customers and revenue, which in turn leads to job losses and a declining tax base.
Impacts on Residents
The flooding of the Mississippi River also has a significant impact on the residents of Vicksburg. Many were forced to evacuate their homes and relocate to shelters while they waited for the waters to recede. Once they returned, they faced the possibility of long-term displacement or even having to relocate due to the destruction of their homes. Additionally, many of those affected lacked flood insurance and faced a lengthy and expensive recovery process.
Environmental Impacts
The flooding of the Mississippi River not only affects people, but also the health of the river. Severe flooding can cause sediment to be deposited in areas that were once pristine, affecting wildlife and disrupting the local ecosystems. The runoff from the flooding can also pollute the river, impacting wildlife and posing a threat to the local drinking water supplies. Additionally, extensive flooding can also cause extensive erosion of riverbanks and other sensitive areas, further damaging the river’s environment.
Flood prevention strategies
The devastating effects of flooding along the Mississippi River make it clear that steps must be taken to reduce its impacts. One potential solution is the establishment of flood control measures such as levees, dams, and other flood mitigation strategies. These structures can help reduce the risk of flooding by containing the river’s waters and preventing it from overflowing its banks. Additionally, the Mississippi Delta region could also benefit from the implementation of floodplain management programs and other forms of proactive planning that can help reduce the risk of floods.
Implications for the future
The recurring floods of the Mississippi River demonstrate the need for proactive solutions to address climate change and flooding. As temperatures continue to rise, so too will the risk of extreme flooding. It is therefore essential that steps be taken to reduce the impacts of climate change and flooding, such as the implementation of flood control measures and floodplain management programs. Additionally, it is imperative that those living within the river’s floodplains be aware of the risks associated with the river and take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their property.
