by Laila Khan

Created on: July 02, 2008   Last Updated: December 12, 2010

Dihydrogen monoxide: a molecular compound that brings both life and death. It is necessary for essentially all life, but can kill and destroy when in excess. Dihydrogen monoxide, water, has been the source for untold grief and sadness in the St. Louis area, especially this month. Flood waters have displaced hundreds of people, and left even more without power. Unfortunately, the worst effect has not yet been seen. When the flood waters recede, people will be left with the remains of their homes, farms, and businesses. For the people who do not have flood insurance, this will not just be a set back. This natural disaster will destroy the way of life of families in the area as it destroys their homes.

When the waters recede, and people begin to return to whatever is left of their property, there must be options open to families who have lost everything. There will be no way to rebuild on the flood plain, at least not immediately. The only option, therefore, is to make sure that people can live on higher ground that was not directly affected by the rising water. This is not currently an option for those who have nothing left. As was seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, assistance is a dire necessity.

After Hurricane Katrina, people who had no safety net were left virtually penniless. When the government did not come through for them, they had no options. People in New Orleans area are still attempting to get themselves back on their feet, and it has been almost three years. That kind of mistake cannot be allowed again. Options must be open to those that need them.

How, then, can options be given to those affected by the flood? The only avenue for such a program is the government. Many people are wary of the government, especially FEMA, when it comes to disaster relief. They have good reason to be wary; the government failed the people affected by Hurricane Katrina so it is natural that they would not rely on the government to help after this natural disaster. But, again, the only avenue for such relief is the government. If the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina taught FEMA anything, it was that disaster assistance must be made available to all people as quickly as possible.

This is the main route that must be taken once the flood waters recede. Don Bolger, a spokesman for FEMA, explained that disaster assistance is open for all people affected, even if they already have another form of insurance. Through this, people can receive grants or low-interest government

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