World | USA
Mississippi floods cause billion-dollar damage
The crest of the swollen Mississippi River moved relentlessly downstream on Saturday as volunteers manned sandbagged levees, nursed hopes and coped with the costs of the worst US Midwest flooding in 15 years.
- Reuters
- Published: 00:14 June 22, 2008
Palmyra: The crest of the swollen Mississippi River moved relentlessly downstream on Saturday as volunteers manned sandbagged levees, nursed hopes and coped with the costs of the worst US Midwest flooding in 15 years.
The river's relentless violence overcame more than two dozen levees this week, submerging small towns and vast stretches of prime farmland.
The Midwest flooding and storms blamed for 24 deaths since late May have caused damage in the billions of dollars and are expected to push US and world food prices higher.
Up to five million acres may have been lost to just-planted crops at the heart of the world's top grain and food exporter.
More from USA
More from World
News Editor's choice
-
Allies quit ruling coalition in Nepal
Political row could trigger months of street protests and violence
-
Qatar blaze 'started at nursery'
Fire killed 19 including 13 children, at Doha’s main shopping centre
-
Jagan jailed over illegal assets
Andhra Pradesh leader accused of corruption, cheating, conspiracy
