The Stream, December 30: Major Floods Spread Across U.S. Midwest

The Global Rundown

Extensive flooding occurred in Missouri, killing more than a dozen people. High water levels on a number of major rivers in the Midwest United States could cause trouble for industrial areas in the South, while insurance companies are expecting to pay billions of dollars for flood damages in Britain. Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan agreed on two companies to assess the Grand Renaissance hydropower project. Water shortages are prompting Tanzania to build gas-fired power plants. Michigan’s governor apologized for an ongoing drinking water crisis in Flint, and a train derailment in Queensland raised concerns about water contamination.

“I want the Flint community to know how very sorry I am that this has happened. And I want all Michigan citizens to know that we will learn from this experience, because Flint is not the only city that has an aging infrastructure.” –Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, in a statement apologizing for lead contaminated drinking water in Flint. The director of Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality also resigned Tuesday. (Detroit Free Press)

By The Numbers

5 major rivers Number that are flooding in the Midwest United States and could threaten industrial areas in the South. Severe floods in Missouri have killed at least 13 people. Bloomberg; CBS

$2.22 billion Estimated cost of insurance payouts in Britain due to extensive flooding. Economic costs overall could amount to more than $US 7 billion. Reuters

31,500 liters Amount of sulfuric acid spilled when a train derailed in Queensland, raising concerns about possible contamination of nearby waterways. Australian Associated Press

Science, Studies, And Reports

A new agreement signed Tuesday by Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan determined which two independent consulting companies will study the possible effects of the Grand Renaissance hydropower project, which is being built on a tributary of the Nile River. The review of the project will begin in February and could take up to 15 months to complete. Reuters

On The Radar

Water shortages are prompting Tanzania to build gas-fired power plants in order to reduce its dependence on hydropower. The country currently generates approximately 35 percent of its electricity from hydropower. Reuters

Codi Kozacek

A news correspondent for Circle of Blue based out of Hawaii. She writes The Stream, Circle of Blue’s daily digest of international water news trends. Her interests include food security, ecology and the Great Lakes.
Contact Codi Kozacek