Water Supply Failure Due to Heavy Rain
Drinking Water Crisis Continues for Days in Mississippi
Volunteers are distributing bottled water in Jackson, Mississippi, USA, where residents are struggling to find drinking water due to recent flooding. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] The state of Mississippi in the United States has been experiencing a drinking water crisis for several days due to a recent massive flood, CNN and The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 1st (local time).
With the water supply facilities not operating, about 150,000 to 160,000 residents of Jackson are suffering from inconvenience as they cannot properly wash or drink water.
According to the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS), heavy rain poured over Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, last week, causing the water level of the Pearl River to rise to about 10.8 meters, flooding nearby homes.
This caused water pressure problems at major local water supply facilities, leading to a suspension of drinking water supply in residential areas. The Pearl River is a frequent flood site, with water levels exceeding about 11.3 meters in 2020 as well.
As a result, the local education office switched school classes to remote learning, and many restaurants suspended operations.
A state government official said, "(Due to water shortage) residents are unable to perform essential activities such as flushing toilets or extinguishing fires."
On the 1st, some water supply resumed in certain areas by temporarily adding pumps to the water supply facilities, but proper water purification is not yet being done.
Accordingly, city authorities announced that residents should use tap water for household purposes but not for drinking.
A city official said, "You should avoid opening your mouth while showering," and "For the time being, drinking water must be boiled."
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency and mobilized the National Guard to supply bottled water, but the supply was far from sufficient, and residents waiting to receive water were seen queuing for hours.
Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba explained, "Due to the influx of heavy rain, the chemical composition required for water purification has changed, causing delays in water supply," and "We are facing difficulties in recovery due to manpower shortages and poor facility management."
Jackson's water supply facilities have frequently caused problems in the past, such as being out of operation for a month during a winter storm early last year.
In response, the White House announced through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that it would provide up to 75% of the necessary budget to resolve the emergency over the next 90 days.
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre stated, "The federal government is ready to assist Mississippi with the drinking water crisis," and "The White House is coordinating with state health authorities and local officials."
Meanwhile, the NYT noted in its report that climate change has reached a point where it affects not only disasters like floods and wildfires but also the ability to access clean drinking water.
Professor Mihail Chester of Arizona State University said, "The speed of climate change is outpacing the speed of facility improvements," adding, "The crisis is imminent."
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