The Mississippi River, the fourth longest in the world, crosses ten American states from Minnesota to the Mississippi Delta in Louisiana. The river is linked to flooding and there are concerns that 2019 flooding poses serious risks in the area. Many overlook the problems that arise from hurricanes, the changing climate and water management.
The rising waters together with significant soil erosion have been a risk in terms of both cost and lives in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. For example, in 1993, the flooding caused by the Mississippi River was one of the most devastating floods of the century, a consequence of severe rains in the Midwest, with the area from Minnesota to Louisiana inundated. Losses from the catastrophic flooding totaled to 22.5 billion dollars.
Aware of the destructive potential of these natural hazards, the government has taken steps to limit the damage they cause. Different regulations have been implemented, such as increasing the water level of the Minnesota reservoir, to prevent or minimize flooding. Special researchers are being hired to study flooding through organizations such as the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization.
The geography of the region impacts the levels of flooding on the river banks. For example, there are so-called reservoirs behind levees, which are important barriers to keep the waters of the Mississippi River within the banks. If they fail, catastrophic flooding may occur.
To combat flood damage, the government has enhanced networks of miles and miles of levees and dams. These are engineered walls that prevent the river from overflowing and guarantee the adequate fill of reservoirs. With the new technology being improved each year, the risk of catastrophic floods becomes lower. This way experts can stop the water from reaping acres of home and farmland.
At the moment, the Mississippi River is on the rise but no flooding has been reported. The river follows a natural flooding cycle and experts keep records of the frequency and intensity of these occurrences. Flooding is rare nowadays, since the modern infrastructure protects the state against the floods.
Communities, in the meantime, are not left out of the equation. Local governments are responsible for alerting citizens as soon as they detect any signs of flooding. They have created many groups and organizations, such as the Lower Mississippi Valley Conservation Association, to stay updated on the developments of the Mississippi River. In fact, they have even created special websites and social media pages to communicate and help the population to stay safe when it comes to flooding scenarios.
Climate Change
As climate change threatens to intensify the force and frequency of storms and associated rainfall, records show that the flooding trend has not waned in 2019. Atmospheric warming, melting glaciers and ice caps, increased air and ocean temperatures, and climate variability are just a few of the effects that intensify the intensity of Mississippi River flooding. Experts suggest that scientists, engineers and policy-makers should continue to develop solutions to prevent the flooding of Mississippi rivers in 2019, and for the future.
Raising awareness of climate change and its effects is a key element in understanding and tackling the problem. Community initiatives and resources, such as local newspapers and climate protection programs, as well as government efforts, are useful responses to deal with the threat of flooding.
As researchers increase scientific knowledge on the subject, they also develop new strategies. For instance, The Nature Conservancy and the Army Corps of Engineers have joined forces to modify the river beds and expand current buffer lands. The goal is to create more available spaces that will absorb excessive rainfall.
In addition to combatting flooding, prevention strategies include restoring and preserving the water systems and prioritizing restoration efforts in areas with high risk of flooding. As well, some experts suggest containing the river by building more flood barriers. Such actions will not only decrease flooding but also maintain the health of the plants and organisms of the river.
Data Analysis
The Mississippi River is being monitored for flooding and data analysis is a key element in understanding and tackling the problem. Recorded flow observations from more than 5,000 different measuring points along the Mississippi River system provide experts with crucial data for future predictions.
Thanks to the help of the US Geological Survey, experts can maintain a close watch on the river levels. Data collected allows researchers to have a detailed understanding of the river flow dynamics and existing flooding patterns. This way, they can accurately alert the communities when there is a high probability of flooding.
Computer models, based on the data collected, are also used as a predictive tool by the Mississippi River Commission. These models contain mathematical equations and provide long-term forecasts when it comes to flooding potential. This information is then shared with regional and local agencies in order to prepare for floods.
For instance, the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Emergency Management Agency provide effective and automated flood warning systems that alert local communities of an imminent flooding event. Additionally, the Mississippi River Commission constantly maintains flood defence measures and monitors the condition of levees and dams.
Coastal Protection
In order to protect coastal areas from the threat of flooding, the government has created The National Flood Insurance Program. This program provides communities with a financial means to deal with disasters and buy insurance to protect their assets. Examples of such schemes are the formation of levees or creating specialized teams to protect levees and other waterways.
The Interagency Performance Evaluation Task Force is an organization sponsored by the US Department of Homeland Security to ensure proper risk management and resilience building for the Mississippi River disaster. They offer to inspect the levees of the river and participate in the associated assessments.
The government, together with other various organizations, is also implementing wildlife conservation efforts alongside coastal protection initiatives. Such measures are designed to prevent changes in the local wildlife and ecosystems that result from flooding.
Some of the popular initiatives include constructing artificial floodplains, planting native vegetation, and monitoring the animal and plant populations that inhabit the rivers. These initiatives introduce natural solutions to reduce flooding and protect local wildlife at the same time.
Local Involvement
Flood prevention initiatives rely on the help of local communities. This is achieved through knowledgeable professionals designing and maintaining the levees, as well as citizen-led organization providing local cooperation and learning sessions.
In most instances, local residents possess valuable resources and knowledge, such as spotting rivers’ anomalies, that aid the government in early detection of floods. Furthermore, community members can work together to shape the public policy and promote more efficient methods of flood protection.
At the same time, the government can nurture a collaboration with the local population to raise awareness and provide advice on how to guard property. These practices improve the chances of success of flood control practices and make them successful for the long run.
Involving local communities in the process is also a key to enhancing flood protection in the region. This helps create a sense of ownership for the measures being taken, a sense that understanding and respecting the river is important for their safety. In this way, local communities can play a critical role in preserving their environment and community against the dangers of flooding.
