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West Alton, Mo. (AP): Devastating flooding, driven by climate change, is impacting communities along the Mississippi River. First Street data shows that flooding is causing residents to leave at a higher rate than the national average, especially in areas already facing economic challenges due to job loss and resource scarcity.
The AP analyzed the impact of flooding on smaller communities within 100 miles of the Mississippi River from 2000 to 2020, painting a grim picture of population decline, property damage, and economic hardship. While some towns, like Grafton, Illinois, have adapted by relocating residents and developing tourist attractions, others like Cairo, Illinois, have faced significant population loss and economic decline exacerbated by flooding.
The story explores how flooding events have forced people to relocate, the cultural and economic losses experienced by these communities, and the ongoing struggle to maintain livelihoods and preserve heritage along the Mississippi River.