Feds: 27 Levees Could Overflow if Sandbags Fail

PlusFeds: 27 Levees Could Overflow if Sandbags FailFeds: 27 Levees Could Overflow if Sandbags FailThe Associated PressThe Federal Government has released a map showing 27 areas where they're worried levees along the Mississippi River could overflow due to rising water levels. (June 17)[Notes:aerial shots of swollen waterways] For residents in the midwest coping with severe flooding, all eyes are on the levees. [Notes:shots of sandbagging]Despite a massive sandbagging effort -- the government says 27 of them could overflow along the Mississippi river And that could mean a new round of deep waters moving into towns and cities. [Notes:graphics with video] Here's a look at the areas federal authorities are worried about -- The areas in red are places along the river that officials fear the water could either overtop -- meaning river water will run over the levee, causing erosion that could further endanger it -- or the levee could breach altogether. The danger area stretches from southeastern Iowa -- parts of Illinois, and down towards St. Louis Missouri. One levee broke Tuesday morning south of Gulfport, Illinois -- forcing the closure of a bridge. Amid these new concerns -- a new plea for help The American Red Cross says its disaster relief fund has been completely spent -- and the agency is now borrowing money to help flood victims throughout the Midwest. ___ ___, The Associated Press.

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YouTube | June 17, 2008

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