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Flood Facts

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Flood History

Wherever rain falls – flooding can occur.

Flooding can happen anywhere, anytime. Mississippi ranks eighth in the nation for the number of repetitive loss-structures. The state also has more than 5 million acres classified as floodplain, which is the fifth largest in the nation.

Mississippi, with its extensive river systems and low-lying topography, has a long history of devastating floods. These floods have shaped the state’s landscape, economy, and communities. The most notable floods have come from the Mississippi River, which runs along the state’s western border, and its tributaries. Understanding the history of these floods provides insight into the challenges and resilience of the people of Mississippi.

The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927

One of the most catastrophic natural disasters in American history, the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, had a profound impact on Mississippi and the entire Mississippi River Valley. Following months of heavy rainfall, the river burst its banks in April 1927, inundating an area of approximately 27,000 square miles across seven states.

Impact on Mississippi:

  • Destruction: In Mississippi, the floodwaters covered vast stretches of land, destroying homes, crops, and infrastructure. Some areas were submerged under up to 30 feet of water.
  • Displacement: Over 200,000 residents of the Mississippi Delta were displaced, many of whom were African American sharecroppers.
  • Economic Losses: The agricultural economy was severely affected, with cotton and other crops being wiped out, leading to long-term economic repercussions.

Response and Legacy:

  • The disaster highlighted racial and economic disparities, as African Americans were often forced to remain in flood-ravaged areas to work on levee repairs while white residents were evacuated.
  • The federal response to the flood, though initially slow, led to significant changes in national flood control policy, including the Flood Control Act of 1928, which authorized the construction of extensive levee systems and other infrastructure to prevent future floods.

The Flood of 1937

The Mississippi River flood of 1937 was another major event, although it primarily affected areas further upstream in the Ohio River Valley, its impact was felt in Mississippi as well.

Impact:

  • The flood affected nearly 1 million people across several states, including parts of Mississippi.
  • It reinforced the need for improved flood control measures, leading to further development of levee systems and floodways.

The Great Flood of 2011

More recently, the Great Flood of 2011 brought severe flooding to Mississippi and other states along the Mississippi River.

Causes:

  • The flood was caused by a combination of factors, including significant snowmelt from the northern United States and heavy rainfall in the Mississippi River watershed.

Impact on Mississippi:

  • Evacuations and Damage: Thousands of residents were evacuated, and significant damage occurred to homes, businesses, and agricultural lands.
  • Economic Impact: The flood resulted in substantial economic losses, particularly in the agricultural sector.

Response:

  • The response to the 2011 flood benefited from decades of flood control improvements, including the use of spillways and reservoirs to manage water levels.
  • While damage was extensive, the flood control systems in place helped to mitigate the worst effects, demonstrating the importance of ongoing investment in infrastructure.

Flood Control Measures

In response to the recurring threat of floods, Mississippi and federal authorities have implemented extensive flood control measures over the years.

Levee Systems:

  • The construction and maintenance of levees along the Mississippi River and its tributaries are crucial in preventing floodwaters from inundating populated areas and farmlands.

Reservoirs and Spillways:

  • The use of reservoirs and spillways helps manage excess water during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt, reducing the risk of catastrophic flooding downstream.

Wetland Restoration:

  • Efforts to restore wetlands and natural floodplains aim to provide additional buffer zones that can absorb and slow down floodwaters.

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