Overview
Hixton, Wisconsin, located near the Mississippi River, is an isolated community with a long history of flooding and erosion caused by the river. Since the city’s founding in the late 1800s, the community has been through its share of disasters, including several floods that threatened the lives of its residents and businesses. Earlier this year, however, Hixton experienced a very different type of natural disaster—an avalanche, the first in its history. The avalanche blocked one of the town’s two bridges, which prevented residents from accessing essential services and businesses. It has been a challenging time for the community, and they have received a great deal of support from the wider community and organizations to help them through the ordeal. In this article, we will discuss the history of flooding and erosion in Hixton, the details of the avalanche that happened this year, and what’s being done to help the community recover.
Flooding and Erosion
Hixton is located on an alluvial plain along the Mississippi River, making it especially prone to flooding and erosion. Over the years, the river has eroded banks of the town and the surrounding areas, destroying properties and crops. One of the most severe floods happened in 1997, when 14 inches of rain fell in just over 48 hours, causing the Mississippi River to overflow its banks and inundate the residents of Hixton with 6 feet of water. Fortunately, only a few people were injured, and there were no fatalities. The event was so severe that the town was declared a federal disaster area, and later a federal levee was built to help protect against future floods.
The Avalanche
This year, however, the town experienced a different kind of natural disaster—an avalanche. The avalanche hit the city on the night of January 8th and was so powerful that it shut down one of the riverside bridges in Hixton, blocking off the town from access to essential services. The avalanche included a mix of snow, ice, and debris, burying portions of the road and trapping several people inside their homes. Residents were only able to access essential services by driving over the icy mountain roads, and businesses were unable to operate as usual. It was a difficult time for the community, especially since avalanches are very rare in Wisconsin.
Recovery Efforts
The community of Hixton has received a great deal of support and aid in the aftermath of the avalanche. The American Red Cross and Salvation Army were among the first organizations to provide relief and assistance to the town, setting up shelters and offering emotional support. The bridge has since been cleared and is now open, allowing residents and businesses to resume their normal activities.
Local Gallery and Awareness
In response to the avalanche, the city of Hixton has set up a local gallery to showcase the beauty of the area and to promote disaster preparedness. The gallery includes photographs of the avalanche and the destruction that it caused, giving visitors an up-close look at the power of nature. The town has also organized disaster awareness workshops to help its residents understand the importance of taking safety precautions in the event of a disaster, such as having an emergency kit on hand or understanding the potential dangers that come with the Mississippi River.
Flood Resilience Planning
Local officials are looking to take further action to protect the town against future disasters. They are currently in the process of implementing a flood resilience plan to protect the city from floods and other disasters. This plan includes the strengthening of the city’s levees and the construction of new ones in areas that have not been properly protected in the past. The city is also looking into using green infrastructure as an additional layer of protection and resilience against future disasters.
Short-Term Solutions and Improvements
In addition to the longer-term flood resilience plan, the city is also looking into short-term solutions that can help protect the town in the meantime. These solutions include reinforcing the existing levees, erecting new ones, improving access to high-runoff areas, and developing improved drainage systems. All of these improvements will help better protect Hixton in the event of a disaster.
Economic Support and Stimulus
Finally, the town has also received economic support and stimulus to help businesses and residents that were impacted by the avalanche. The federal government has provided aid to help businesses get back on their feet and to help local residents, who have had to take time off from work or who have been displaced by the avalanche. The state is also offering additional grants and support to help affected businesses and individuals.
Conclusion
Despite experiencing one of the most terrifying natural disasters in its history, Hixton is slowly making its way back to normal. The community has received a great deal of support from organizations and the wider community to help it recover from the avalanche. Local officials are also taking measures to protect the town from future disasters, both long-term and short-term, while businesses and residents are receiving economic aid to help with the recovery process. Overall, the resilience of Hixton and its residents is an inspiration to all of us.
