How the Midwest Floods Nearly Took Out a Century-Old Dam

The recent heavy rainfall and flooding in the Midwest brought the Missouri River close to breaching a century-old dam in Nebraska, threatening the safety of thousands living downstream. The dam, built in 1928, is located in the city of Omaha and serves as a critical piece of infrastructure, protecting the city and its surrounding areas from flooding. While the dam held its ground, the situation was dire, as the rising water levels caused significant stress on the aging structure. The article highlights the critical need for infrastructure investment and maintenance, particularly in the face of increasingly severe weather events caused by climate change. The story also emphasizes the importance of resilient infrastructure to protect communities and minimize the impacts of natural disasters.

Summary

"The near-breaching of the century-old dam in Omaha underscores the growing threat posed by extreme weather events, particularly in the Midwest. It highlights the importance of investing in infrastructure maintenance and resilience to protect communities and mitigate the consequences of natural disasters."

Updated at: 06.27.2024