Persistent Flooding Devastates Mississippi River Towns

Communities along the Mississippi River face increasing challenges as frequent floods drive population decline and economic hardship.

Flooding has displaced residents at a rate 30% higher than the national average, exacerbating population loss in small towns.
West Alton, Missouri, saw its population plummet from nearly 4,000 in 1970 to fewer than 400 today due to repeated floods.
Economic and industrial shifts have compounded the impact of flooding, leaving many towns struggling to survive.
Climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of floods, further threatening these communities.
Some towns have adapted by relocating residents and developing tourist attractions, but the cultural and economic toll remains significant.