Causes of the Flood
On May 1 2017, the Mississippi River near the Southern Illinois region reached its peak for the season due to heavy rains the prior month. The flood reached a height of nearly 44.74 feet, seven feet above the designated flood stage and one foot below the record high set in 1934. This caused a serious strain on the levee system as the Mississippi River Valley Authority wasn’t able to contain the deluge due to enormous pressure exerted by the overflow. The high precipitation amount combined with the swollen state of the Mississippi River resulted in a flood of historic proportions.
Scientists have suggested that consistent over-irrigation of farmlands, drainage of marshes and wetlands, and the dredging of levees are all contributing factors in the high river levels and the consequent flooding of the region. In the case of May 1 2017, flood models suggest that the severity of the flooding was due in large part to the high amount of precipitation the region had seen in the prior month, although some have contended that atmospheric and oceanic changes related to global climate change may have played an important role as well.
Impact of the Flood
The impact of the May 1 2017 flood was severe in the Southern Illinois region. The overflow from the Mississippi River caused severe flooding in low-lying areas, resulting in approximately $310 million in damages. Around 350 to 400 homes were damaged and many more were evacuated due to the threat of more flooding and potential health risks from contaminated water. Many crop and livestock losses were also reported, with some estimates in the thousands.
The flood also put a strain on the local infrastructure with roads and bridges experiencing extensive damage. The financial impact of the flood was exacerbated by the fact that the region already suffered from a noticeable recession in the wake of the 2008 economic crisis. This caused further economic losses in the form of closures of businesses and loss of jobs, in addition to the damage to residences and infrastructure.
Response to the Flood
In the wake of the May 1 2017 flood, the local and state governments responded with a comprehensive response plan. First, resources from state and federal agencies were deployed to conduct damage assessments and help residents recover from the disaster. Additionally, resources from the Mississippi River Valley Authority were used to help contain the flood and repair damaged areas along the levee. Emergency shelters were also set up to house those who had been displaced from their homes, and resources were supplied to help them recover and rebuild.
Beyond emergency response, the state government and local communities also sought to make long-term improvements to the levee system in order to better contain future floods. An initial $200 million dollar package was proposed to fund such improvements, and the state of Illinois made additional commitments to further bolster the system. These efforts have resulted in a substantially strengthened levee system over the years.
Current Status of the Flood Levee System
The May 1 2017 flood levee system in Southern Illinois remains a critical part of the region’s infrastructure. In the time since the flood, several improvements have been made to the levee system in order to better prepare for future floods. The levees have been widened in certain areas, and the system has been connected to adjacent levees in order to provide additional backup. Additionally, several pumps have been added to reduce flood levels in certain areas, and monitoring systems have been put in place to ensure prompt reaction times in the event of an emergency.
The levee system is currently functioning at optimal levels and is even able to withstand flood levels higher than those experienced in 2017. This has provided substantial protection for the region and allows it to be more resilient in the face of future floods. Despite this, however, it remains important to continually monitor the levee system in order to keep it functioning properly and to make necessary improvements as needed.
Flood Prevention Strategies in Southern Illinois
In order to better prepare for future floods and protect the Southern Illinois region from severe damages, a comprehensive flood prevention strategy has been proposed. This strategy consists of a combination of structural and non-structural methods, including floodplain mapping and monitoring, floodplain rezoning, land-use planning and public education. These strategies are designed to reduce risk, minimize damages and help protect residents from the financial burden of floods.
For example, the Southern Illinois region has adopted a floodplain rezoning policy which restricts development and construction in high-risk areas, as well as a program for monitoring and mapping potential flood zones. Additionally, the region is investing in public education initiatives to raise awareness of flood prevention measures and is actively engaging with community leaders and local organizations to promote the effective implementation of such strategies.
Environmental Implications of the Flood Levee System
It is important to consider the environmental implications of the May 1 2017 flood levee system in Southern Illinois. This involves understanding the effects of the flood and the subsequent construction of the levees on the local environment and wildlife.
The construction of the levees has caused some loss of habitat in the form of reduced land area and increased water levels. Additionally, the water levels have caused a change in the composition of the local flora, with some species unable to survive in the more flooded areas. This can have direct impacts on the local wildlife, as those species which rely on certain habitats can be greatly affected by such changes.
Furthermore, the flooding of the region has caused the release of contaminants such as fertilizers and chemicals from surrounding farms into the Mississippi River. This can have serious implications for the water quality of the area and can affect the health of both people and wildlife.
Regional Economic Impact of the Flood Levee System
The May 1 2017 flood levee system, while successful in containing the flood and reducing damages, has also had implications for the economic future of the Southern Illinois region. One of the main issues is the cost of the maintenance and repair of the levee system, which can be quite extensive. This can put a strain on the region’s budget, as well as the resources of the state and federal governments.
Additionally, the economic damage caused by the flooding, while initially mitigated by the levees, can have long-term implications as well. The financial losses incurred can be both direct, in terms of damages to homes and businesses, and indirect, in terms of losses in employment and tourism. These losses, when combined with the costs associated with the repair and maintenance of the levees, can have a substantial impact on the economy of the region.
Reliance on the Flood Levee System
The May 1 2017 flood levee system in Southern Illinois provides an important degree of protection for the region. While it is essential to have in place, it is also important to note that it is not an absolute guarantee against severe flooding. This is due to the frequent occurrence of events such as heavy rains, flash floods and ice blockages, which can cause rivers to swell and put strain on the levee system.
Furthermore, the levee system cannot be relied upon indefinitely. As such, it is important to understand the limitations of the system and to continue to look for new methods of protection such as early warning systems and flood mitigation strategies. It is also important to continue to monitor the levee system and make necessary repairs and improvements as needed, in order to ensure its effectiveness.
Long-term Outlook
The long-term outlook for the May 1 2017 flood levee system in Southern Illinois is largely positive. While the impacts of the flood can still be seen in the region, the levees have proven highly successful in containing the overflow from the Mississippi River and greatly reducing the potential for damages.
Additionally, many improvements have been made to the levee system in the years since the flood, making it increasingly more resistant to floodwaters. This has provided a much needed layer of protection for the region, and has allowed it to remain resilient in the face of future flood events. With continued monitoring and investment, the levee system is likely to remain a critical part of the region’s infrastructure for years to come.
