Flood in America: statistics for the last 100 years

Despite the fact that the flood in America - nottoo frequent phenomenon, it differs scale. Confirmation of this fact can serve as a flood, which occurred in 1927, 1993 and 2009. The main feature of American floods is that they are mostly caused by hurricanes. In addition, they are sometimes helped by the relief of some American states. For example, with prolonged downpours canyons are instantly filled with water, which quickly leads to truly catastrophic consequences.

Flood in America in 1927

Flood. A photo

One of the most destructive Americanfloods is considered to be the flood of the Mississippi River, which happened in 1927. According to the level of destructiveness, this natural disaster is often compared with the notorious Hurricane Katrina 2005. In the summer of 1926, heavy showers started, because of which the water level in many Mississippi tributaries became critical. And in April 1927, long-term and unceasing precipitation triggered the outlet of the named river from the shores.

The flow almost twice exceeded the height of Niagarawaterfall. No wonder he easily demolished the dam near Greenville. Several more dams were damaged. In general, 10 states were flooded. Arkansas suffered most. The water began to decline only by August. The consequences of the flood were catastrophic:

• without housing remained 700 thousand people;
• 246 people died;
• material damage amounted to $ 400 million.

It should be noted that this disaster had significant political and social consequences. In addition, it was reflected in culture (literature and music).

Flood in America in 1993

The reason for this flood was permanentsnowfalls and rains that continued throughout the autumn and winter of 1992-1993. As a result, the water level in many rivers exceeded the norm by 7 times. Mississippi and Missouri, as well as their tributaries, spread. The natural catastrophe lasted about six months (April-October). The consequences were as follows:

• 32 people died;
• was flooded 800 thousand km²;
• tens of thousands of houses were destroyed.

After the described flood, the US authoritiesbegan to revise the policy regarding the floodplain of rivers. Great attention was paid to the location of dams and dams, as well as to control wetlands. Also, the government decided to buy out from the inhabitants of the flooded areas the land located on the territories of the river flood. There were organized natural areas, the flooding of which will be less dangerous.

Flood in America in 2008

In the summer of 2008, a number ofcyclones, which provoked heavy rains that caused floods. Thousands of people were forced to leave their homes. In Iowa, the river flooded the whole city. The roads were washed out, the bridges were destroyed, there was no electricity. The water began to subside only half a month after the "start" of the disaster. As a result of this natural disaster, 24 people were killed (flood in Russia in 2012 took 171 lives), and in Iowa 40 thousand people were left without housing. Besides, farms were flooded, because of what the prices for food have essentially risen.