Settlements surrounding the Mississippi River in the United States have seen their populations decline as manufacturing jobs move to other areas and constant flooding displaces residents. The community of West Alton in Missouri has been one of those affected, with significant flooding in 1973, 1993 and 2019. The problem has grown to the point that many residents have opted to elevate their homes to reduce property damage. and homes have boats and emergency generators.
In other towns such as Cairo, Illinois, flooding has hit communities already facing economic decline. In 2011, a flood overflowed some areas of the river to record levels, due to above-normal rainfall and snow levels for the year. Since then, community organizations have been working to try to rehabilitate the area and maintain its population.
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