The Great Flood of 1993
Annie Boyd
PHY-104
Professor Mamasa Sumare
February 17, 2013

The Great Flood of 1993

Natural disasters happen. When they do, there are far reaching consequences. Lives are lost, homes are destroyed, families are sent into upheaval, businesses are destroyed, and this mass destruction often times results in dreams being ruined. Furthermore, the environment is effected as natural habitats are destroyed, and life of all species is interrupted. Since rebuilding efforts are often extensive, natural disasters often are not only an environmental crisis, but also an economic crisis, and in many instances, the effects can still be seen years later. The Great Flood of 1993 was such devastation. Consequently this paper will discuss The Great Flood of 1993, its causes, the effects from the flood, reports 10 years after the flood including preventative suggestions for the future. The Great Flood of 1993, described by Theiling (1998), was “extreme flooding on the Upper Mississippi and Missouri Rivers during the summer of 1993 was an unprecedented event, one that caused significant human hardship, tremendous economic losses, and extensive property and crop damage” (p.15-1). However, it is important to note, according to Johnson, Holmes, and Waite (2004), that unlike other natural disasters, The Great Flood of 1993 was not the result of a single event. For example, a hurricane, tornado, tsunami, and earthquake are all events that can be catastrophic but are natural disasters that can be described by a single event. On the other hand, The Great Flood of 1993, occurred over time due to persistent rainfall. In fact, Johnson et al (2004), report that 250 to 300 times the average amount of rainfall dropped from the sky between June and August of 1993, and in July throughout some of these Midwestern states, rain fell for more than 20 days. The first levee was topped in June of 1993, but because of the persistent rainfall, levees topping or failing became a common occurrence over that summer (Johnson et al, 2004). Thus, the effects were far reaching, and the significance of the event is actually how it earned its name. In fact, Kolva (2002) explains, The Great Flood of 1993 affected 54,000 people in approximately 13 states, including Canada and the United States has never witnessed such a flood to this degree. Johnson et al (2004) report that “every stream-flow-gaging station on the Mississippi River from Rock Island, Illinois to Thebes, Illinois experienced a new flood of record” (p. 3). Thus, devastation took place along the coast of Mississippi and up towards the border of Canada. Homes were literally washed away along with dreams of many people affected. Businesses that had possibly invested all of their savings were suddenly destroyed. Farmlands established for many years that produced local goods to the surrounding states were ruined (Kolva, 2002). Tragically, the devastation would exceed devastation far greater than any other seen in American history. As for human suffering, Theiling (1998) cites 52 deaths, over “30,000 jobs disrupted, the loss of private residences was estimated at 70,500 homes, with as many as 149,000 homes damaged, over 1,900 businesses closed and 5,000 were affected during the flood” (p.15-5). In fact, Theiling (1998) notes, “...many floodplain farmers on the Missouri and Middle Mississippi Rivers found their fields ruined—scoured or filled with sediment and sand” (p.15-5). The Red Cross, National Guard, and Coast Guard responded helping people seek food and shelter, but for many relocation and rebuilding efforts were well over two months and even longer. Some people cannot even imagine being dislocated for one night, by even a threat to their home or a dangerous situation. Certainly, home is more than shelter, it is more than a place; it is a refuge, a shelter where generations of love and laughter permeate the walls. Following this, the devastation a home being washed away and destroyed, a secure job suddenly lost, a loved one gone, are all human effects from the flood that are also psychological. As for the ecological effects, there were surprisingly both negative and positive effects from the massive flooding. As the flooding occurred, and things like chemicals from fields, sewage, and waste compromised the water quality (Kolva, 2002). As levees were breached and small animals were drowned, this further negatively affected the water supply. However, Theiling (1998) suggests that because of the continued flood pulse over the summer, fish actually benefited in their larger habitat with a bigger food supply than before the flood. Although trees were uprooted and destroyed, this loss also made room for new trees, so this can also be seen as positive, Finally, because of the flood, greater attention and awareness was paid to floodplain environments and water management systems. Indeed, 10 years after the flood Johnson et al (2004) report that the federal response to the flood continues to deal with the effects, spending billions of dollars in floodplain investigation and management. FEMA, USGS, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife have collaborated to monitor stream-flow data, and strengthen emergency response information. This stream flow data is believed to be critical to the floodplain management. In fact, Johnson et al (2004) explain, “users of USGS stream-flow data agree that a plan is needed to reverse the loss of stream gauges and to provide for a stable and modern stream-flow-monitoring network for the future” (p.6). Although, all the answers have not been found, this raised awareness and protocols can be said to a positive effect to this disaster. Consequently, The Great Flood of 1993, was a natural disaster that changed lives, effecting ecological and economical forces in America. When a disaster happens of this magnitude, change will happen, and for many life is never the same. People were uprooted from their homes, lost their jobs, some lost family members, and some even lost their life. Suffering occurred, that for many was a slow torture as this rain and flooding persisted. However, our country did come together and people did survive. Homes, cars, land, and businesses, and even dreams were washed away in this great flood. I, am, however confident that to survey the survivors now 20 years later, although this tragedy would not be forgotten, many would report the fulfillment of new dreams and homes rebuilt, even better than before. When disaster hits, that is what we do as Americans, after all, rebuild and become stronger.

References
Kolva, J. R. (2002). Effects of the Great Midwest Flood of 1993 on Wetlands. U.S. Geological Survey. Retrieved February 17, 2013: http://water.usgs.gov/nwsum/WSP2425/flood.html
Johnson, G. P., Holmes, Jr., R. R. & Waite, L. A. (2004). The Great Flood of 1993 on the Upper Mississippi River—10 Years Later. U.S. Geological Survey. Retrieved February 17, 2013: http://il.water.usgs.gov/pubs/fs2004-3024.pdf
Theiling, C. (1998). The Flood of 1993. Ecological Status and Trends of the UMRS. Retrieved from USGS website: http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/documents/reports/1999/status_and_trends/99t001_ch15lr.pdf