In 2011, the Mississippi River flooded some of the most important river systems and agricultural centers in the United States. Due to the extreme flooding and destruction, it quickly became one of the top natural disasters to occur in that year. This tragedy brought about an estimated $2.8 billion in damages to the region. The questions remain as to what caused the Mississippi River to flood in such disastrous fashion, and how can a flood of this size be prevented in the future?
The flooding of the Mississippi River in 2011 was driven by a number of contributing factors, making it impossible to pinpoint one specific cause. Some of the primary contributors include massive amounts of snowfall in the winter of 2010, a high spring and summer precipitation, and the melting of the snowpack due to unseasonably warm temperatures in March and April. According to experts, a combination of these factors resulted in an unusually high level of water in the Mississippi River and its surrounds, leading to the devastating flooding.
On top of these issues, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which oversees much of the engineering along the river, has been blamed for not taking the appropriate measures to prepare for the high water levels. USACE did not release enough water through its locks and levees on the Upper Mississippi River, leading to the backwater flooding along the Lower Mississippi. This decision is seen as the major contributing factor to the loss of life and destruction.
From a humanitarian perspective, the extreme flooding caused immense destruction to homes and businesses which could not be saved from the waters. Over 7,000 homes were damaged, 65,000 people displaced, and an estimated 3.2 million acres of land affected. Many farmers also lost huge amounts of their crops and livestock during the disaster.
Additionally, as a result of this flood, some areas were left with toxins such as nitrogen, phosphorus and other pollutants. This caused ecological harm to the environment, leading to long-term environmental degradation. From an environmental standpoint, this event represented one of the worst ecological disasters in the history of the Mississippi River. In order to prevent this kind of destruction from occurring again in the future, scientists will have to take drastic measures to ensure better management of resources and the ecosystem.
Along with the ecological destruction, there was also a significant cost in regards to the infrastructure of the flood areas. A total of $1.7 billion was allocated to repair roads, bridges, and levees damaged by the flood. This does not include the additional costs of repairing the ecology of the Mississippi River and its immediate environment.
Protection Tools
In order to combat future floods, USACE has put in place many layers of protection along the Mississippi River. These include a system of locks, dams and levies that are designed to help control the high water level and protect the riverbanks from erosion. However, these tools will only go so far in helping to prevent future floods if citizens do not actively participate in flood prevention efforts. Areas along the Mississippi River must also be made aware of the risks involved in living in such an area, and take necessary precautions to reduce their risk of damage in the event of flooding.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of the 2011 Mississippi River flood was immense. Not only did it cause destruction to the homes and businesses of those who lived in the immediate flooding area, it also caused ecological damage throughout the entire region. The annual flooding of the Mississippi River has become a normal occurrence due to the increasing amounts of precipitation in the region, leading to an abundance of sediment, pollutants and toxins being deposited into the river and its tributaries. In addition, due to the change in the water levels, native species of plants and animals have been put under serious pressure. Furthermore, the increased level of sedimentation in the area has the potential to reduce the water quality, making the entire region vulnerable to further destruction.
Managed Retreat
In an effort to reduce the risk of future flooding, the USACE has made the decision to implement a managed retreat policy along the Mississippi River Basin. This policy involves the relocation of residents in flood prone areas and the gradual removal of buildings and other structures to higher ground. Additionally, measures will be taken to reduce soil erosion along the river and nearby tributaries. This will help to reduce the risk of future floods, as well as preserve the natural environment of the area.
Flood Control Regulations
Futhermore, in order to prevent future flooding, regulations have been put into place to help regulate the amount of water that can be released from dams and locks. The USACE also has regulations in place that determine the minimum amount of water to be released from a dam, as well as the maximum amount of water that can be diverted into tributaries and other rivers. These regulations are designed to keep the river level in check, thus reducing the risk of flooding further.
Prevention Measures
Finally, it is important to note that the people living in the area need to be proactive in flood prevention. This includes taking precautions such as raising homes and buildings higher off the ground, planting trees for windbreaks, and constructing barriers that can be used to divert water away from potential flooding areas. Additionally, the USACE is encouraging citizens to participate in the levee monitoring process to help identify potential weaknesses and alert the proper authorities of potential danger.
