Latest news with #floodcontrol
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Pearl River flood plan needs feedback: Army Corps of Engineers to hold Jackson meetings
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will host two public meetings in Jackson on Thursday to gather feedback on a revised flood-control plan for the Pearl River. The meetings are part of an ongoing public comment period on plans to reduce flooding along the Pearl River in and near the Jackson metro area. Some alternatives under consideration could increase flooding in downstream communities such as South Jackson, Byram and Richland, according to previous Clarion Ledger reporting — and many residents say they've received little-to-no information about the project. The Corps released a Revised Draft Environmental Impact Statement on July 3 in response to more than 6,000 public comments received during previous rounds of public engagement. More on One Lake: Could Jackson One Lake flood control project be delayed due to ... turtles? The revised plan outlines several updated alternatives, including river widening and new structural improvements, as part of the Pearl River Basin Mississippi Federal Flood Risk Management Project. Thursday's meetings are scheduled for 2 p.m. at St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 5400 Old Canton Road, and 6 p.m. at the Mississippi Public Broadcasting Auditorium, 3825 Ridgewood Road. Both meetings will include presentations and opportunities for public input. The comment period runs through Aug. 18. Comments can be submitted in person or online, with full details and options available at This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Army Corps wants public input on Pearl River flood plan in Jackson, MS
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
What Jackson residents say about Army Corps of Engineers' Pearl River flood plan
Following the release of a revised U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' study on two flood-control proposals for the part of the Pearl River that runs through Jackson — including one resembling the contentious "One Lake" plan — residents voiced their opposition or support of the proposals during two public meetings in Jackson on Thursday, July 31. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hosted the two public meetings in Jackson — one at St. Philip's Episcopal Church and another at the Mississippi Public Broadcasting Auditorium — as part of an ongoing public-comment period on proposals to mitigate flooding along the Pearl River. In 2024, the Corps received 6,729 public comments in Jackson with the top five themes being concerns about flood risk, the project features, economics, downstream impacts and real estate. Those concerns remained themes in the Thursday meetings in Jackson. At the first meeting, Tamitha Dill, a member of the community-led group 3CCT (Three Communities Collaborating Together), urged the Corps to evaluate the flood risks for communities with deteriorating infrastructure. Dill, representing over 950 homes in the Canton Club, Parkway and McCloud areas of Jackson, told the Clarion Ledger she is concerned about the project's reliance on "using existing dilapidated creeks, culverts and pipes for the primary drainage system," which are already inadequate during regular rainfall. "Like look at this rain here," Dill said, gesturing toward the 3 p.m. downpour outside of the church. "There (are) going to be some residents that cannot get into their homes if this just continues for an hour more at this level. Our storm drains, the storm water drainage system, dilapidated pipes are just clogged up." Dill was among 15 speakers and 90 attendees at the first meeting, which provided details on the two proposed flood-control plans. The Corps wrote "Alternative E1" could be the "National Economic Development plan" considering that option aligns with the agency's cost-benefit criteria. Alternative E1 includes flood control measures such as building levees, lowering the river's banks and elevating or floodproofing vulnerable structures, but excludes the construction of a dam that would create a lake on the Pearl River. Judge delays water rate hike: JXN Water's Ted Henifin said he is considering resigning if the water rate does not increase For years, local officials have supported the idea to transform a section of the river into a lake. The Rankin-Hinds Flood Control District, the project's local sponsor, promoted from 2011 to 2024 the "One Lake" proposal which would widen the river for recreation purposes. However, the Corps determined last year that the project's costs were unjustifiable and instead proposed a scaled-back version, "Alternative D1" as another potential plan. The Corps noted that while D1 may offer greater recreational benefits, both E1 and D1 provide equal flood control. The final decision is expected to focus on those two options. E1 is projected to cost between $708 million and $753 million, while D1 is estimated to range from $873 million to $919 million. Although the Corps pledged $221 million in 2022, the federal government will cover only 65% of the costs, leaving the local levee board to secure $248 million to $321 million through state funding and local taxes. Dill told the Clarion Ledger she rejected both proposals hoping the Corps will craft a better plan that prioritizes people over profit. "For the levees that they did mention, it's our concern that they're not going to have any pumps and that they're not going to have any ponds," Dill said. 'We're still trying to stress to the Corps that we thank you, but I think there's still more things that need to be taken into consideration." Water debt bills in Jackson: City of Jackson faces $6.4M water bill debt, the zoo accounts for largest share. What to know While Dill opposed the proposals, some residents, including newly elected Jackson Mayor John Horhn, supported plan D1, saying he encourages the agency to 'quickly and swiftly' approve the flood-control solution. Horhn said D1 provides community benefits to help solve the ongoing flooding crisis specifically with the new levees for the Northeast Jackson neighborhoods, allows new public access to the river and has minimal downstream impacts. Horhn also said the plan has the potential to revitalize Jackson's urban areas, drawing parallels to projects in cities such as San Antonio, Texas; Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; and Columbus, Ohio. "This property is vital to protect our residents and businesses from catastrophic flooding," Horhn said. "I contend that the health and wellbeing of our capital city should be a concern for everyone, including those Mississippi residents living upstream and downstream of Jackson. … I truly believe that Jackson is ready to rise again, and this flood-control project can be the spark that ignites that rebirth in our city." During the second public comment session, most of the approximately 40 attendees, including Canton Club resident Deon Thompson, 60, pushed back on implementing D1. Jackson's homicides trending down: Jackson murders decline by nearly 45% amid varying JPD, capitol police homicide trends Thompson told the Clarion Ledger he believes the plan prioritizes economic development in Rankin County at the expense of flooding in Jackson. Thompson said he refuses to stay silent, calling the flood issues "one battle after another." "We've been battling this thing since the first flooding in 2020 and still up until now," Thompson said. "Now all of a sudden, this coalition group done jumped up here and put this One Lake project in, which they know is not going to do anything but make the flooding worse than what it already is. They could care less. They want to do it at the expense of us." Thompson highlighted the community's frustration with persistent river and flash flooding, saying residents are "on pins and needles" about the challenges it creates. Thompson hopes that those in favor of D1 can consider with impacted communities are constantly facing. "They don't have to go through what we have to go through," Thompson said. "Leaving our homes and being out for weeks at a time. Then when you come back, your home is flooded. It has to be gutted and refurbished and everything. "I mean that's just a mindboggling thing that does a lot to you. But they don't know anything about this. All they want is to come up with this One Lake project and feel like it's just going to be an economic value for them, but it's going to hurt us all in the long run." During the meeting, Thompson requested an extension of the public comment period, citing the need for more time for the community to review the hundreds of pages in the revised plan and understand more about the potential impacts on the community. Col. Jeremiah Gipson, commander of the Corps' Vicksburg District, said the request would be considered. As of this publication, the comment period will run through Aug. 18. Comments can be submitted in person or online, with full details and options available at Pam Dankins is the breaking news reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Have a tip? Email her at pdankins@ This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Army Corps gets public input on Pearl River flood plan in Jackson, MS
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Climate
- Malay Mail
Beijing lifts red rain alert but warns of floods, landslides after evacuating over 82,000
BEIJING, Aug 5 — Beijing lifted a severe weather alert today but warned residents to stay vigilant against natural disasters after authorities evacuated more than 82,000 people over fears of deadly floods in the Chinese capital. The municipal weather office had imposed a red rainstorm warning—the highest in a four-tier system—yesterday, forecasting heavy downpours until this morning. The office lifted the alert early this morning, saying in a social media statement that the weather system had weakened as it drifted eastwards. But it continued to warn of isolated downpours across outlying parts of the city, adding that people 'must not let up after strong rains have passed' as landslides or other disasters may follow. Authorities evacuated over 82,000 people at risk from heavy rainfall as of Monday evening, state news agency Xinhua said, citing the city's flood control headquarters. It was unclear when they may return. Officials warned of flooding risks in the northeastern suburb of Miyun—the hardest hit by the recent deluge—as well as southwestern Fangshan, western Mentougou and northern Huairou. In Miyun, where dozens died last week, most of the recent floodwater had receded on Tuesday—leaving behind a trail of debris including tree branches and piles of bricks. AFP reporters saw dented cars, toppled tractors and household items like strollers and luggages strewn across the muddy ground. Twisted metal railings and slanted utility poles still lined the roadside as workers in neon yellow vests and wearing hard hats worked to clear the wreckage. Nearby, trees had been uprooted, lying in a river gushing with murky brown water. Last week, floods in Beijing's northern suburbs killed at least 44 people and left nine missing, according to official figures. Residents of flood-hit areas told AFP journalists they had been surprised at the speed with which the rushing water had inundated homes and villages. The devastation prompted a local official to make a rare admission that there had been 'gaps' in disaster readiness. 'Our knowledge of extreme weather was lacking,' Yu Weiguo, the district's ruling Communist Party boss, said. Restoring order At a meeting on Monday, the municipal government stressed the need to 'restore the normal order of life and production in post-disaster areas as quickly as possible'. China's public security ministry also warned people to be on guard against 'rumours', including exaggerating the extent of natural disasters to create panic, state broadcaster CCTV said on Tuesday. China has been lashed by heavy rains in recent weeks, with heavy flooding in the north followed by intense precipitation along the southern coast. Parts of the southern city of Hong Kong were brought to a standstill on Tuesday by flooding caused by heavy rains, after the highest-tier rainstorm warning was issued for the fourth time in eight days. Natural disasters are common across China, particularly in the summer, when some regions experience heavy rain while others bake in searing heat. China is the world's biggest emitter of the greenhouse gases that drive climate change and contribute to making extreme weather more frequent and intense. But it is also a global renewable energy powerhouse that aims to make its massive economy carbon-neutral by 2060. — AFP
Arab News
6 days ago
- Climate
- Arab News
Beijing lifts rain alert after tens of thousands evacuated
MIYUN, China: Beijing lifted a severe weather alert on Tuesday but warned residents to stay vigilant against natural disasters after authorities evacuated more than 82,000 people over fears of deadly floods in the Chinese municipal weather office had imposed a red rainstorm warning – the highest in a four-tier system – on Monday, forecasting heavy downpours until Tuesday office lifted the alert early Tuesday morning, saying in a social media statement the weather system had weakened as it drifted it continued to warn of isolated downpours across outlying parts of the city, adding that people 'must not let up after strong rains have passed' as landslides or other disasters may evacuated over 82,000 people at risk from heavy rainfall as of Monday evening, state news agency Xinhua said, citing the city's flood control headquarters. It was unclear when they may warned of flooding risks in the northeastern suburb of Miyun – the hardest hit by the recent deluge – as well as southwestern Fangshan, western Mentougou and northern Miyun, where dozens died last week, most of the recent floodwater had receded on Tuesday — leaving behind a trail of debris including tree branches and piles of reporters saw dented cars, toppled tractors and household items like strollers and luggages strewn across the muddy metal railings and slanted utility poles still lined the roadside as workers in neon yellow vests and wearing hard hats worked to clear the trees had been uprooted, lying in a river gushing with murky brown week, floods in Beijing's northern suburbs killed at least 44 people and left nine missing, according to official of flood-hit areas told AFP journalists they had been surprised at the speed with which the rushing water had inundated homes and devastation prompted a local official to make a rare admission that there had been 'gaps' in disaster readiness.'Our knowledge of extreme weather was lacking,' Yu Weiguo, the district's ruling Communist Party boss, a meeting on Monday, the municipal government stressed the need to 'restore the normal order of life and production in post-disaster areas as quickly as possible.'China's public security ministry also warned people to be on guard against 'rumors,' including exaggerating the extent of natural disasters to create panic, state broadcaster CCTV said on has been lashed by heavy rains in recent weeks, with heavy flooding in the north followed by intense precipitation along the southern of the southern city of Hong Kong were brought to a standstill on Tuesday by flooding caused by heavy rains, after the highest-tier rainstorm warning was issued for the fourth time in eight disasters are common across China, particularly in the summer, when some regions experience heavy rain while others bake in searing is the world's biggest emitter of the greenhouse gases that drive climate change and contribute to making extreme weather more frequent and it is also a global renewable energy powerhouse that aims to make its massive economy carbon-neutral by 2060.
France 24
6 days ago
- Climate
- France 24
Beijing lifts rain alert after evacuating over 80,000
The municipal weather office had imposed a red rainstorm warning -- the highest in a four-tier system -- on Monday, forecasting heavy downpours until Tuesday morning. The office lifted the alert early Tuesday morning, saying in a social media statement the weather system had weakened as it drifted eastwards. But it continued to warn of isolated downpours across outlying parts of the city, adding that people "must not let up after strong rains have passed" as landslides or other disasters may follow. Authorities evacuated over 82,000 people at risk from heavy rainfall as of Monday evening, state news agency Xinhua said, citing the city's flood control headquarters. Officials warned of flooding risks in the northeastern suburb of Miyun -- the hardest hit by the recent deluge -- as well as southwestern Fangshan, western Mentougou and northern Huairou. Last week, floods in Beijing's northern suburbs killed at least 44 people and left nine missing, according to official figures. Some 31 fatalities occurred at an elderly care centre in Miyun -- prompting a local official to admit "gaps" in disaster readiness. "Our knowledge of extreme weather was lacking. This tragic lesson has warned us that putting the people first, putting human life first, is more than a slogan," Yu Weiguo, Miyun's ruling Communist Party boss, said at the time. Residents of flood-hit areas told AFP journalists that they had been surprised at the speed with which the rushing water had inundated homes and devastated villages. Restoring order At a meeting on Monday, the municipal government stressed the need to "restore the normal order of life and production in post-disaster areas as quickly as possible". Urgent tasks included road repairs, electricity and water resumption and the refurbishment of schools, hospitals and elderly care homes, officials said, according to a statement on a city social media account. China's public security ministry has also warned people to be on guard against "rumours", including exaggerating the extent of natural disasters to create panic, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Tuesday. China has been lashed by heavy rains in recent weeks, with heavy flooding in the north followed by intense precipiation along the southern coast. Parts of Hong Kong were brought to a standstill on Tuesday by flooding caused by heavy rains, after the highest-tier rainstorm warning was issued for the fourth time in eight days. Natural disasters are common across China, particularly in the summer, when some regions experience heavy rain while others bake in searing heat. China is the world's biggest emitter of the greenhouse gases that drive climate change and contribute to making extreme weather more frequent and intense.
