Floods

Jackson, Miss. Flooding: Officials "Cautiously Optimistic"

AUG 29 2022·Updated SEP 2 2022

Story

Image credit: Democracy Now

The Facts

On Mon., city officials for Jackson, Miss. said they're "cautiously optimistic" as the Pearl River appeared to be cresting at 35.35 ft - just shy of major flood stage - after record rainfall.
CNN
This comes as Jackson's mayor urged residents to evacuate flood zones on Sun., and as Gov. Reeves declared a state of emergency in response to the relentless rain that caused the Pearl River to escape its banks and flood.
Democracy Now
The state of emergency was declared in anticipation that the river - which runs through the southern part of Jackson - was expected to crest at 35.5 ft. on Mon., seven ft above flood stage.
NBC
In response to the flooding, the state has deployed 126k sandbags. Search and rescue teams and drone support are on standby to support local response efforts along the river.
NBC
Miss. has been dealing with the flooding since August 22, and, so far at least 42 homes, five farms, nine businesses, and 43 roads have been reported as damaged. However, officials predict that the water level has peaked and will begin to recede.
ABC News
The same area of the city was impacted by flooding in 2020. Reeves said to residents, "if your home flooded in 2020, there is a high probability it will happen again."
wapo

Sources Split

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CENTER

RIGHT

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ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

This catastrophic flooding event isn't a one-off occurrence. As our climate continues to change, the frequency and magnitude of these events will increase, destroying property and taking lives. More education is needed about climate change and its connection to increased flooding.

NPR

Narrative B

Dismissing these types of events as a result of climate change dangerously absolves policymakers of any responsibility. Not every extreme rain event has to result in devastating flooding, but it often does due to government ineptness and poor infrastructure. Rather than pointing our fingers at climate change, we should focus on holding those who are actually able to manage these disasters accountable.