The mighty Mississippi river has seen its highest peak in the past 300 years. In April 2021, the river saw its highest ever recorded level since 1718. The peak was measured at around 17.15 feet above sea level. This level of peak is considered to be major flooding and thus has caused damage to many parts of the Midwest and South. It is estimated that the flood caused losses that are potentially in the millions of dollars.
The cause of this is multi-faceted, ranging from climatic and environmental changes to governmental inaction. Firstly, climate change is causing warmer temperatures, resulting in more frequent and intense rain season. This creates heavier rains which is causing higher levels of the river and beyond its normal spans. In addition to this, melting snow from further north in the region is limiting the surface areas for water storage, thus creating an increased discharge rate.
Furthermore, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been criticized for taking too little action in river management. They are accused of not controlling the water levels sufficiently enough with levees, leading to the flooding. Additionally, stretches of the Mississippi river have been impounded and creating more dredging and channel-control projects. This is filling up the reservoirs of the Mississippi River faster, creating a ripple effect that increases the flooding rate even more.
As the debate continues over who is responsible for this situation, the effects are becoming more sinister. Many towns and communities in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and Missouri are suffering devastating damage, with property being destroyed, farmland being washed away, and homes being flooded. It is estimated that 57,000 homes and 5,000 businesses have been affected since the beginning of the flooding. Moreover, the Missouri and Mississippi river systems are showing alarmingly high levels of chlorine from wastewater discharges, making it difficult for the aquatic life in the area to survive.
In the face of this crisis, authorities and citizens alike must take action to mitigate the impacts of the flooding. Investments need to be made in proper infrastructure, such as levees, defenses and other preventive mechanisms to avoid any further damage. It is also crucial that citizens take steps to protect themselves and their property, such as storing valuables in higher levels, avoiding flooded areas and assessing their own personal risk for flooding.
These are difficult times for many, yet the situation is not without a silver lining. Conservation organizations have been fighting for the protection of the Mississippi river for years, calling for an increased focus on the river’s sustainability. This might just be the moment when the voice of these organizations will be heard.
The Human Cost
The human cost of the Mississippi river peak cannot be overlooked. Evacuations are in full force, leaving communities gripping with the stress knowing that their homes are at risk. Over 25,000 people have been forced to evacuate as a result of the floods, with over 10,000 being registered in Missouri alone.
The emotional trauma caused by this event is immense. Many people have lost their livelihoods, their property, and in some cases their lives. The communities living along the river are facing an uncertain future, with no clear idea when they can return to their homes, or how much they’ll be able to salvage. Compounding the problem is the fact that most of these communities are rural, and have little resources to deal with the disaster.
Coupled with the emotional pain, the economic cost is already incredibly high. It is estimated that the flooding of the Mississippi will cost the U.S. government $20 billion. The people living in the affected areas are also feeling the pinch, with the cost of damages, clean-up and other related expenses all weighing heavily. Some areas are even considering suing the US government for negligence in the handling of the river.
In light of this devastating situation, aid and support from the federal, state and local levels is more important than ever before. It is only through greater cooperation and an united effort that the true cost of the Mississippi River peak can be lessened.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of the current situation at the Mississippi River is significant. Even before the peak of the flooding, pollution levels had already been concerning, with areas of the river system in poor condition. Now though, with river levels so high, pollution is entering further into the waterways, as sewage and industrial waste is being swept away by the rising waters.
The damage is especially visible on the wildlife. This specifically affects the aquatic life, with much of the river now becoming uninhabitable for fish and other animals. This has the potential to seriously damage the food chain and the river’s ecosystem. In addition, much of the wildlife habitat which resides alongside the river is being destoyed and washed away by the flooding waters.
There is also the problem of nutrient loading, increasing the levels of certain nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen. This is creating an overabundance of these elements, leading to a higher risk of algal blooms and other issues on the river. This could potentially have devastating impacts on the local and surrounding areas.
The Mississippi River peak is a natural disaster with far reaching implications. It is not only causing untold damage to towns, cities and communities, but is also affecting the environment in ways that have not been seen before. It is essential that effective and lasting efforts are put in place to prevent it from happening again.
Political considerations
The effects of this disaster have led to a flurry of political debates in America. With blame from all angles and tensions over who is most responsible, these are complicated waters to navigate. The Army Corps of Engineers have been singled out, with negligence and mismanagement of the flooding at the top of the list. A lack of proper infrastructure and weak levees are seen as their most damning failure.
The debate also goes further, exploring existing economic and political differences between states in the area. It is suggested that the states higher upstream – such as Mississippi and Arkansas – are not being held to the same standards as states further downstream – such as Missouri and Louisiana. This uneven enforcement of regulations has caused a considerable headache to politicians and those affected.
The issue has also sparked a debate over the Role of the Federal Government in river management. There are some that see this as a success for decentralized government and their limits, since states have the ability to manage its own rivers. Others see it as a point of economic degradation, and suggest that more federal intervention is needed to prevent further disasters.
Whichever government is ultimately to blame, their response to this disaster will be closely scrutinized. It is up to them to quickly respond to the situation and provide necessary funding, resources and regulations that its affected citizens need.
International Response
The flood on the Mississippi river does not just affect America, but its impact can be felt around the world. With news reports coming out of America, many countries have begun to respond in kind. There are calls for international aid and assistance to help out those affected.
This disaster has also reignited the debate over international assistance in natural disasters. It has become increasingly important for countries to come together to help out their neighbours. Countries have already committed assistance and aid in the form of food and medical supplies to those affected.
The United Nations has also stepped in, pledging to provide assistance as well. This has helped to coordinate the response to the disaster and ensure that aid is going where it’s needed most. It also shows that global problems require global solutions.
This flooding of the Mississippi is a global issue and has made it more clear than ever before how interconnected the world is. As research finds links between this disaster and climate change, it is the responsibility of all countries to cooperate in order to tackle the problems posed by global warming.
Conclusion and a way forward
The flooding of the Mississippi River has been a significant tragedy that has caused immense damage to communities and the environment. This disaster has highlighted the risks associated with climate change and highlights the need for proper river management.
However, in this time of great tragedy, we can still find hope. For example, the voices of conservationists who have been calling for the protection of the Mississippi for years are now being heard. There is also a chance for the federal and state governments to come together and provide the necessary aid and assistance to those affected.
The key now is to devise a way forward. The government must invest in proper infrastructure, as well as invest in prevention systems to avoid this kind of tragedy from striking again. Citizens must also take steps to protect themselves and their property. And finally, the world must come together to tackle climate change head on and provide sustainable solutions to this increasingly alarming problem.
