Frequent flooding exacerbates woes for shrinking Mississippi River towns
- Flooding near the Mississippi River has driven people out of their homes at a higher rate than the national average.
- Data from risk analysis firm First Street reveals a concerning trend of population displacement in the region.
- The repeated floods are compounding the challenges faced by already shrinking towns along the river.
Flooding along the Mississippi River has caused a 30% higher rate of people leaving their homes compared to the national average. Data from risk analysis firm First Street shows the impact of flooding on river towns like West Alton, Missouri, where major floods in 1973, 1993, and 2019 have drastically reduced the population. Some residents have had to elevate their homes to avoid future floods. The loss of community and infrastructure has turned some towns into "ghost towns." Climate change is exacerbating flooding, leading to challenges for smaller communities in the Midwest and South. Despite the risks, some residents remain due to strong community ties and love for the river. Flooding has also affected Cairo, Illinois, with population loss attributed to frequent flooding. The impact of flooding on these historic river towns is eroding the river culture and posing significant challenges for residents.