Introduction
Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, is nestled in the heart of the Great Mississippi River Basin. A powerful and historic river, the Mississippi is renowned for its immense size and power, and a flooding of these waters can have devastating consequences for Baton Rouge and its surrounding areas. From preparing for rising waters to experiencing the aftermath of chaotic devastation, this article will explore the progressive stages of dealing with the effects of an overflow of the Mississippi River into Baton Rouge.
Facts and Figures
Overall, the mighty Mississippi River has a drainage basin of over 1.2 million square miles. In the Baton Rouge Basin alone, its flow rate can exceed 50,000 cubic feet per second in years where flooding has occurred. By comparison, the state of Rhode Island covers about 1,234 square miles, meaning that the Mississippi’s basin alone is almost one thousand times the size of Rhode Island.
The US Army Corps of Engineers also reports that in the periods of high rainfall that can coincide with flooding, the overflows can reach across vast areas from Baton Rouge approximately 40 kilometers upstream and 200 kilometers downstream. As such, an overflow of the Mississippi in Baton Rouge could have catastrophic effects far beyond the city itself.
Initial Preparation
When faced with the potential of a major flood on the Mississippi, the people of Baton Rouge usually take certain preventative steps. These steps include increasing the spillway flows, constructing levees and flood barriers, and limiting the amount of deforestation in surrounding areas that can reduce the natural buffer zone against the rising waters. In addition, many bridges and other infrastructure in the area are also floodproofed to ensure that if and when the waters start to rise, they can handle it.
The Start of Flooding
At the onset of flooding, the affected communities in the Baton Rouge area begin to take action. Large numbers of citizens and volunteers are often in attendance to help mitigate the consequences, and the Governor and local authorities can issue mandatory evacuation orders. Local law enforcement officials are also on standby to help order the necessary relocations and restrict access to areas that could soon be under water.
The Height of the Flood
On average, a major Mississippi River flood can last up to two weeks, with water levels in the surrounding areas increasing almost exponentially. During this time, the floods usually take on a life of their own, unsettling the natural balance and threatening the sustainability of the local wildlife.
At the same time, countless people, homes and businesses become engulfed by the rising waters, while cleanup and damage control becomes the priority. The various personnel assigned to the containment of the flooding usually take to the air and to the river in an effort to defend what’s left.
The Immediate Aftermath
Once the flooded waters have started to recede and the immediate threat of further flooding has been contained, the Baton Rouge community begins the long and arduous task of cleanup and rebuilding. This often requires the expertise of professionals, and the process can take several months or even years after the waters initially surged.
On the bright side, the courage and resilience of the community can often be seen during this period, with aid, support and donations from all over the nation as people come together in solidarity.
The Long-Term Aftermath
In the aftermath of a major flooding, replenishing the environment becomes a top priority. This will involve decontaminating the soil, restoring the flora and fauna and potentially replenishing wetlands that have been damaged by the excessive amounts of water.
Unfortunately, the marks of a major flooding are usually long-lasting and some areas may never come back to their original condition. Low-lying areas can provide a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases such as West Nile virus. In addition, the local economy can suffer the effects of the flooding for years to come as people follow their damaged dreams to new homes and new cities.
Economic Impact
The economic impact of a major flood in Baton Rouge can be immense. Job losses, heavily damaged infrastructure and an uncertain agricultural sector all have serious implications for state and local economies. Taxes can become higher while investment into the community is discouraged, leading to a spiralling effect on small-medium businesses and a widespread sense of hopelessness.
Environmental Impact
While the physical damage to infrastructure can usually be seen in an instant, the impacts to nature can take many more years to manifest. The health of the nearby wetlands, including their flora and fauna, can be heavily impacted, while the wetlands’ ability to intercept ground water and runoff can also be threatened. Additionally, increased pollutants from raw sewage and agricultural runoff can also cause long-term environmental damage, with potentially disastrous consequences.
Conclusion
Overall, the consequences of flooding in Baton Rouge can range from catastrophic to merely trying for the affected communities. Not only does the city have to face the possible physical and economic losses from the immediate flooding, but the long-term environmental damage can also present a significant challenge. There can of course be beauty in tragedy for the people of Baton Rouge, but the devastation caused by the overflow remains a reminder to take proactive steps to mitigate and prepare for any future flooding.
