Corps to blow up Birds Point

MISSISSIPPI COUNTY, MO (KRCU) - The Army Corps of Engineers decided to detonate the Birds Point levee in rural Missouri. The man-made breach is designed to battle rising water levels on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.

Major General Michael Walsh concluded that the record high water level at Cairo, Illinois necessitated immediate action. Much of southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, and western Kentucky remains submerged.

Announcing his decision on the levee, General Walsh reiterated that his decision extends far beyond the point where the Ohio and Mississippi meet.

“It’s larger than Cairo. It’s the entire system in the watershed,” Walsh said.

All air and river transport is prohibited in the blasting area.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

Posted in: Army Corps of Engineers,Birds Point,Cairo IL,flooding,Major General Michael Walsh