Flooding Threatens Communities Along the Mississippi

The article highlights the severe impact of flooding, exacerbated by climate change, on communities along the Mississippi River. Towns like West Alton, Missouri, have seen dramatic population declines due to repeated floods, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure. Many residents have left, leading to a decline in community life and an increase in abandoned properties, which invite arson and further deterioration.
Data from First Street, a risk analysis firm, shows that these communities are experiencing higher rates of displacement compared to the national average. The floods have also hindered economic growth, as industries that once thrived along the river have moved away or consolidated, leaving fewer job opportunities.
Case studies from towns such as Hannibal, Missouri, and Cairo, Illinois, illustrate the broader trend. Hannibal has faced persistent flooding from Bear Creek, impacting its population growth and local businesses. In Cairo, economic decline and racial discrimination compounded by flooding have reduced the population to a fraction of its peak.
Efforts to mitigate flooding include levees and voluntary buyouts, but these measures are not always sufficient. Some towns, like Grafton, Illinois, have adapted by moving residents to higher ground and developing tourist attractions. Despite the challenges, many residents remain attached to their communities and choose to stay, maintaining a connection to their heritage and way of life.