2019 Floods Exposed Levee System Weaknesses ... Again

The video discusses the challenges of the US levee system, particularly in Missouri, where local farmers like Tom Bullock face recurring floods. The levee system, built post-Great Depression, lacks centralized maintenance, leading to varied quality and frequent breaches. The 2019 floods caused significant damage, with 211 breaches in the Missouri River basin alone. Recovery efforts are ongoing, but recurring severe weather raises concerns about future flood risks and the need for improved flood management strategies.

What is a significant challenge faced by the US levee system?

• It is maintained by local communities with varying resources.

• It was built to handle modern flood levels.

• It is managed by a single federal agency.

• It is primarily located in urban areas.

What was a major consequence of the 2019 floods in the Missouri River basin?

• The floods were easily managed by local authorities.

• The levee system remained intact.

• There were no breaches in the levee system.

• The levee system experienced numerous breaches.

How did the Army Corps of Engineers respond to the 2019 floods?

• They ignored the situation.

• They scrambled to warn landowners and patch levee breaches.

• They built new levees immediately.

• They relocated affected communities.

How often have severe floods occurred in the Midwest in recent years?

• Twice in the last 20 years.

• Only in 2019.

• Five times in 12 years.

• Once every decade.

What is a key concern for the future regarding the levee system?

• Floods are becoming less frequent.

• Floods are setting new records each year.

• The levee system is fully repaired.

• Floods are no longer a threat.