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Water Rushes From Mississippi Reservoir as State Battles to Contain Flooding

Water rushed from the Ross Barnett Reservoir into the Pearl River in Jackson, Mississippi, on February 17 as the state worked to contain severe flooding.

Local media reported that the reservoir would be releasing water as part of flood mitigation measures.

Mississippi has been affected by continuous rain which has resulted in rising water levels. The Clarion Ledger said that the 33,000-acre reservoir has used storage space to slow the flood’s approach to the city, but is now nearing capacity.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency amid what he said was “a historic, unprecedented flood.”

The Pearl River in Jackson was expected to crest on Monday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), as severe flooding damaged dozens of homes and closed roads.

The Pearl River flooding was sparked by heavy rain that began on February 10 and lasted several days, according to a Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) report.

In this drone video, water can be seen rushing from the Ross Barnett Reservoir under a bridge and into the Pearl River. Credit: @brukavin via Storyful