Flooding

People have lived along the Mississippi River and its tributaries for millennia, but levee systems built in response to past disasters aren't designed for the newest risk: increased rainfall caused by climate change.

Repeated flooding in some communities pushed residents to move to higher ground. But getting the resources and buy-in isn't easy, even in towns where residents have been flooded again and again.

Much of the Mississippi River basin is getting wetter, according to a new analysis of federal data, while rainfall events are becoming more intense. At the same time, the western half of the U.S. is increasingly prone to drought.

Alvin Cooper is struggling to recover after his home was flooded from torrential rains in late July of this year. He lives in a floodplain area that is especially vulnerable to climate change because it lacks government attention. He is trying to recover but can’t do it alone.

Brent Jaimes, who has a blood disorder that affects the nervous system, was able to take his wheelchair and walker when he was evacuated by boat during flooding. His story examines issues that individuals with disabilities might encounter in the face of a natural disaster.

July’s floods affected about 700 homes to some extent region wide — and residents filed more than 14,000 requests in the first four weeks after the flood.

Severe storms and flooding damaged LaWanda Felder’s home, particularly the area she used for her child who has autism. Despite challenges, she says she is doing what she can to create an atmosphere of safety and comfort for her two young children.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration are encouraging St. Charles County and St. Louis and St. Louis County residents affected by July’s severe storms and flooding to apply for federal aid. The deadline is Oct. 7.

“I can’t do anything,” a resident said. “My hands are tied.”

Service organizations in St. Louis are stepping up to help flood survivors with urgent needs: food and cleaning supplies.