Environmental Factors Contributing to Flooding
Louisiana flooding in 2019 has been largely attributed to rising floodwaters from the Mississippi River. However, this outcome is not just tied to the river’s increased flow; various environmental factors have also played a role in the state’s recent flooding. First, the movement of wind and pressure systems during the early months of the year have brought multiple rounds of heavy rain to the region. Even without an overabundance of rain in the summer and fall, these rainfall events caused significant flooding in many parts of the state.
Second, the impacts of sea-level rise are becoming more apparent as global temperatures increase. As sea levels continue to rise, coastal areas and inland bays are seeing higher levels of saltwater intrusion. This has resulted in saltier water entering rivers and streams more quickly and in higher volumes, leading to reduced river flows in the summer and fall.
Third, the widespread changes to land cover due to extended periods of drought have further exacerbated the situation. Many areas have become dry and barren, making them vulnerable to fast-moving floodwaters. As a result, areas that were once protected from flooding have seen significant damage from fast-moving waters.
Ultimately, the combination of environmental factors have all contributed to the severity of the flooding in Louisiana in 2019. From an increasingly warm environment caused by global warming, to the drought-impacted land cover, to the periodic bouts of heavy rain, the ground is saturated and relatively unable to take on the amount of water currently flowing through the state’s rivers and streams.
Mississippi River and Its Role in the Flood
The Mississippi River is one of the largest rivers in the United States, and its waters have played a major role in the flooding of Louisiana this year. The extreme amount of rain and runoff, combined with dangerously high flow rates in the river, have caused much of the flooding, which has been devastating for residents all along the length of the river.
The last time a flood of this magnitude was observed on this reach was in 1925, when the river reached a peak flow rate of 1.25 million cubic feet per second. This year, the river crested at just over 1.23 million cubic feet per second, a rate that is only exceeded by the historic 1925 flood. This shows the severity of the flooding this year and how it compares to other historic events.
Furthermore, the nature of the flooding along the Mississippi River has been exacerbated by this year’s water management practices. In years past, the gates into Lake Pontchartrain have been opened earlier in the season to allow for faster flooding events. While this would normally be beneficial for reducing floodwaters downstream, the sharply higher flow rates on the Mississippi have put additional strain on the structure of the levees and other infrastructure in the southernmost reaches of the river.
Impact of the Flooding
The recent flooding along the Mississippi River has been a major source of hardship for local populations. Many have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses due to rising waters. Others have been cut off from essential supplies, including clean drinking water, food and medical services.
Furthermore, the flooding has caused severe economic damage to the region. Businesses along the coast have been shut down, while many agricultural operations in the interior have lost large sections of their seasonal crop yields. The overall cost of the flooding could reach billions of dollars, making it one of the most costly natural disasters to hit the region in decades.
In response to the disaster, the federal government and various state agencies have dispatched resources to address the devastation. Organizations such as the American Red Cross and the National Guard have been working to provide relief and assistance to those affected. In addition, local groups have been working to organize fund-raising campaigns and donations to help those who have been displaced or lost their livelihoods due to the flood.
Addressing the Effects of Flooding
As governments, public organizations and citizens alike work to address the effects of this devastating flooding, many are asking how they can prevent it in the future. The first step is to better understand the possible causes and the impacts of the Mississippi River’s flows. While it cannot be completely controlled, understanding its flow cycles and the effects of its changing course can help guide decisions for better mitigation strategies. In addition, attention should be placed on restoring and protecting natural drainage systems, as well as restoring abandoned or underutilized land to minimize runoff into the rivers.
Also, as sea levels continue to rise, further protection may be needed to ensure resources, infrastructure, and people’s livelihoods are safe from floods. These measures include the construction of protective barriers, such as levees and sea walls, as well as the re-engineering of existing levees and the construction of new channels and canals.
Finally, more attention must be paid to the downstream effects of upstream activities. Communities must strive to reduce the number of pollutants that are entering the river and its tributaries, as well as promote policies to protect habitats and ecosystems that play an important role in reducing flooding.
Increased Awareness and Preparation
Perhaps the most important lesson to be learned from this year’s flood is the need for increased awareness and preparedness in the face of a potential disaster. There are numerous resources available to local communities and homeowners to help educate themselves on potential risks and ensure they have plans in place to respond quickly should a flood occur. In addition, governments and public agencies must continue to promote policies and programs that will ensure the safety of citizens in the face of rising waters.
Finally, it is important that citizens remain vigilant in monitoring the situation and be prepared for whatever conditions may arise. Severe flooding can be unpredictable, and even areas that have never before been affected by such events can be inundated in a short period of time. With increased knowledge and understanding of the risks, citizens can ensure that their communities are as prepared as possible for any potential flooding.
State and Local Governments
State and local governments must also play a role in preventing and mitigating the effects of severe floods. Governments must increase the amount of resources available to localities and create programs to fund and manage flood prevention efforts. Governments must provide technical expertise and resources to help communities manage their watersheds and take proactive steps to reduce flooding risks.
In addition, governments must ensure that levee systems and other infrastructures are adequately maintained and improved to ensure their effectiveness in the face of future flooding events. Lastly, it is essential that government agencies collaborate with local businesses and citizens to identify areas of risk and formulate mitigation strategies.
Conclusion
The flooding of Louisiana in 2019 has been a devastating event with immense consequences for citizens, businesses, and the natural environment in the region. A variety of environmental factors and the unchecked flow of the Mississippi River have contributed to the extensive damage. Moving forward, it is essential that governments, public organizations and citizens alike work together to mitigate the effects of future floods, while also striving to prevent them wherever possible.
