Mississippi River flooding is an annual calamity, often causing damage to homes, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure in the form of inundation, typically in the form of a floodwave. It is a natural occurrence that has cost many people their jobs and homes over the years, and its impact continues to be felt in modern-day America. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an average of 34 deaths occur and over $2.7 billion dollars in damages occur due to Mississippi River flooding each year.
When a floodwave begins, it is marked by increasing water levels that occur wherever there is an obstruction between the floodwave’s origin and destination. This can be caused by ground subsidence due to increased underground water pressure and levee failures, both of which are increasingly common occurrences in the MississippiDelta. This is compounded with untimely disruptions related to industrial and agricultural runoff.
When a floodwave reaches the shores of the Mississippi, it can travel more than 200 miles before subsiding. This is caused by the vast total area of the Delta which encompasses 12,000 square miles of Mississippiand two other states. As a result, larger floodwaves overwhelm flood defences, inundating large areas with water.
Inundation of the Mississippi leads to a variety of impacts. The most obvious are the destruction of homes, businesses and infrastructure. Low-lying areas and small islands within or around the Delta become the most affected. In addition, the impact to the environment and public health is significant.
For example, flooding inundates land with toxic chemicals and contaminants, releasing them into surrounding water systems. This can cause disruption to wildlife habitats, destruction of plants and vegetation, and soil erosion. Furthermore, public health is affected by mosquitoes which breed in standing water and can cause diseases to spread.
To protect from flooding, the Army Corps of Engineers has constructed levees that protect the Delta. However, they must be inspected and maintained regularly by an experienced team. It is also important to ensure that water catchments are capable of storing water and to limit the amount of industrial and agricultural runoff.
It is also important to prepare for imminent flooding ahead of time. People living in flood-prone areas should invest in flood insurance and plan escape routes. They should also pay attention to warnings provided by state agencies, and ensure that they are prepared to evacuate if needed.
Economic Impact
Mississippi River flooding has a significant economic impact. When a floodwave hits, businesses and organizations in affected areas must repair and rebuild damaged infrastructure, losing valuable time and money. Furthermore, there is a higher cost of living in affected areas due to increased prices for food, insurance and transportation.
Organizations such as FEMA offer flood relief to affected residents, although this comes at a cost to taxpayers. This can limit the amount of money available for other projects and increase national debt levels. It is important to recognize that this is not a sustainable solution for long-term flood prevention, and other measures must be taken.
The agricultural industry is also impacted by floodwaves, with crops and livestock being destroyed or temporarily displaced. This can lead to short-term losses of income and employment, while long term losses can occur due to the saltwater contamination of land and the destruction of agricultural businesses. Fisherman and commercial businesses in the area are also affected, leading to a negative economic impact.
Environmental Impact
Just as with humans, the environment also takes a toll at the hands of Mississippi flooding. As previously mentioned, contaminants and hazardous substances are released into the water and surrounding areas, putting wildlife and vegetation in great danger. When water levels are high for a prolonged period, the soil becomes saturated and can harden due to changes in oxygen levels, leading to the destruction of vegetation.
Furthermore, when there is large-scale flooding, soil erosion can occur, further hastening the destruction of vegetation. This can further endanger native animals, fish and birds, as they find it increasingly difficult to obtain sources of food and shelter, leading to displacement and decline in animal populations.
It is important to take immediate action to counter balance the effects of Mississippi River flooding on the environment. Organizations such as the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality are actively working to reduce the environmental impact of flooding, but still much more needs to be done.
Government Actions
When it comes to tackling Mississippi River flooding, the US government has had a long-term strategy to deal with this issue. In 1933, the government formed a federal agency called the Mississippi River Commission (MRC). The MRC is responsible for overseeing the construction and development of levees and dams, thereby reducing the risk of flooding.
In addition, Congress passed the Water Research and Development Act of 1986, providing additional funding for flood control projects. The Department of the Army and the Army Corps of Engineers also employ a range of technology and techniques to reduce flood damage and help communities recover after inundations. This includes the deployment of sandbags, mobile pumps, and other methods of creating immediate flood protection.
The government has also initiated the National Flood Insurance Program, which provides assistance to those affected by floods. This helps them with their recovery and rebuild efforts, and assists them in meeting the associated costs.
Role Of Communities
In addition to government-led initiatives, communities can also do their part in preventing Mississippi River flooding. Firstly, routine maintenance of levees and dams is essential for ensuring that they are in good condition. Secondly, communities should use appropriate flood risk management protocols, such as the National Flood Insurance Program, and take necessary measures to prepare for imminent flooding.
Moreover, communities should educate people about flood prevention and flood risk insurance. It is also important to work with local civic organizations to promote awareness of the impacts of floods, and to identify and mitigate flood risk. In particular, communities should participate in advocacy initiatives and research projects that assess flood risk in order to better prepare for flooding.
In conclusion, Mississippi River flooding is an ever-present danger and cannot be ignored. As a result, it is important to take immediate action to counter the effects of flooding on the environment, economy, and society. Government initiatives, community efforts, and individual precautionary measures are the best ways to avoid flooding and its consequences.
