Corps of Engineers closes emergency offices as river levels fall

In light of falling Ohio and Mississippi River levels, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reduced Wednesday its flood response, closing emergency field offices in Cape Girardeau, Caruthersville, Mo., and Dyersburg, Tenn.

Corps personnel staffing those offices will return to their normal duties, the corps' Memphis district said Thursday, but other staff members will still be monitoring levees and other flood works in Southern Illinois at Cairo and along the Mississippi River.

The Corps of Engineers elevated its response March 14, as the Ohio River at Cairo soared above flood stage and hit 52.6 feet. Flood stage at Cairo is 40 feet. At 7 a.m. Thursday the river was at 51 feet, expected to dip below 50 feet by Sunday.

Pertinent address:

Cairo, IL