Day 5 - 127 -- Damaging Water

The rising St. John river brought major devastation to New Brunswick -- north and south areas of the province. Waters are expected to rise a bit more in the south over the next day or so with receding occurring by the end of the week. Levels have fallen a bit in the northern areas, but most are still above flood levels. The flood this year has set records as the highest, breaking the record from back in the 1970s. Sandbagging has been constant in many neighbourhoods, but this can only hold back calmer water. With the winds over the weekend came waves, with the ability to breach the levees built by residents. Many communities have been cut off from their supply route as the only roads in and out of towns have been flooded. Neighbours with boats have been ferrying people across to get supplies where possible, but the debris level in the water is increasing. The Trans-Canada highway and about 100 other roads in the province have been closed due to flooding and potential washouts under the water. From Moncton to Fredrickton, the TCH has been closed. Travelers must take detours around adding 60-90 minutes to the trip. I spoke with people who had driven in from Ontario for convocation this weekend and they'd had to travel back roads to get around the major highway flooding. Residents with well water have been warned not to drink it until it has been treated and tested once the waters recede. Wading through the water has been discouraged  due to contaminants entering the water -- petroleum products and sewage from backups. Homes may not be livable until major cleaning can occur, which may force more people to leave their homes. Many already are without power, water and sewer so have had to leave for a shelter. Watching the daily reports is heart-wrenching -- while hoping for improved news, it hasn't come.

Natural disasters bring devastation and many emotions. The recent major rains along with snow melt provided the perfect situation for a river flood this spring. Several songs came to mind that deal with past disasters. The one that kept running through my head is from the major flood of the Mississippi in 1927. Many songs have been written about this gigantic flood. The one I've chosen to share brings the emotion of the situation. It has been covered by many artists over the decades. The version I share with you today has a relatively recent artist singing. His voice presents the feeling in the lyrics well.  Enjoy!

Louisiana 1927 -- Randy Newman