When Disaster Strikes: 3 True Flood Stories

Those who have not lived through a large flood might not understand the awesome power that water commands. These three true flood stories show that disaster can strike at any time, causing death and destruction in its path.

The Ohio River Flood of 1937

The Ohio River flood of 1937 stretched almost 650 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cairo, Illinois, located at the southern tip of the state, killing 385 people and causing 500 million dollars of damage. The flood first started in late January as record rainfalls caused the river to overrun its usual boundaries.

This might have seemed amazing at the time, but those who lived in the area had no idea that the river that had once fostered commerce and prosperity would continue to rise until early February. The water level in Cincinnati rose to 80 feet, a record that remains unchallenged. 70 percent of Louisville was covered in water as the levels reached 57 feet.

As if the destruction was not enough, this disaster occurred while the region was trying to recover from the Great Depression. This flood caused significant setbacks for many people and several towns declared martial law to increase security.

The Great Flood of 1993

You might think that the Ohio River flood could not happen today because we have better technology to prevent excessive flooding. While our flood prevention methods are better today, nothing can stop nature.

The Great Flood of 1993 was one of the biggest natural disasters in the U.S. The 745-mile-long flood caused about 15 billion dollars of damage and claimed about 50 lives.

Not only was this flood large and costly, it lasted for months. The flooding began in April when Mississippi River rose above its flood stage. It continued to wreak havoc until August.

Hurricane Katrina in 2005

Perhaps the most recent severe floods were those caused by Hurricane Katrina. In 2005, this hurricane created water levels so intense that they busted through the levees designed to protect New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana and Mississippi.

To the nation’s disbelief, Hurricane Katrina continued to demolish one of the most culturally vibrant parts of the country. The 81.2 billion dollars of damage only seems insignificant when compared to the more than 1,830 people who lost their lives in the hurricane’s floodwaters.

Government intervention was ineffective at preventing losses of lives and property, which generated significant levels of scorn from people who believed that poorer areas of the city were allowed to wash away while protective efforts were concentrated on wealthier areas. Despite support from the rest of the nation and countries around the world, some wonder if the famous town will ever return to its previous status.

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