Some ships granted access to flooding Mississippi River

May 20, 2011
By: Bruce Berry

Officials continue to take a cautious approach to freight traffic along the Mississippi River, which has been cresting for the better part of the month, leading to extensive flood damage.

A report by the Associated Press said barges headed to and from the Gulf of Mexico were prevented from traveling along a 15-mile portion of the river near Natchez, Mississippi. Late Tuesday, some vessels were allowed to set sail, but only at the slowest possible speed. The report noted many of the ships carry grains, coal, iron and other products, and an extended halt could increase the chances of an economic slowdown.

Coast Guard officials told the AP the waves created by passing ships could put excessive pressure on levees trying to hold back the flood waters. Additionally, in some parts, the river has risen so high that the water is actually at the same height as some docks. Homeowners have been encouraged to get national flood coverage in the months leading up to this spring's floods, since standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.

"The water from the wakes just keeps coming into our buildings. We're going to have a lot more damage," Carla Jenkins, a local business owner, told the source.

A report in the Times-Picayune noted some local homeowners will have to find a way to pay for flood damage on their own. According to the paper, only 51 of the 560 homes in the town of Krotz Springs were protected by Mississippi homeowners insurance policies that included flood coverage.

For more information about flood insurance you can visit: Flood Smart

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