SIGHTSEERS, VIOLATORS OF CURFEW ARE NOT WELCOME

The flood of 1993 will go down in the record books as the highest stage yet for the Mississippi River. A river crest of 47 feet is forecast July 20, and continuing rains north could push that crest even higher.

The Cape Girardeau County Commission met in emergency session Friday and laid down the rules: A curfew took effect in flood ravaged areas of the county Saturday night. The affected areas are primarily along the Mississippi River north of Cape Girardeau and in a corridor leading to Dutchtown, which is flooded by backwater from the Diversion Channel. Also affected is the Red Star district north of Sloan's Creek in Cape Girardeau and an area along the Mississippi in northern Cape Girardeau County. The curfew areas could be expanded by Sheriff Norman Copeland, without further commission action.

The commissioners mean business, and the curfew will be enforced by local sheriff's deputies and police officers. Those breaking the curfew will be subject to strong legal action.

People living in these areas have suffered enough - the last thing they need is gawkers as they pack up their soggy belongings. Sightseers must also realize that they are putting themselves in danger as well. They may be cut off by fast-rising waters. Those people sitting atop the flood wall in recent days are simply asking for trouble. That wall is high, and the river is fast and full of debris. As one police patrolman pointed out, if these sightseers fall over the wall, "they're goners."

Frankly, our law enforcement officers and emergency personnel have enough to worry about without chasing away sightseers. They need to turn their attention to helping stranded homeowners make their escape, and detering looters. People without any official business in flooded areas should stay out. Period.

The only people exempt from the travel restrictions are law enforcement and emergency personnel and residents going to and from their homes or work. Those living in the restricted areas can receive a pass at Fire Station No. 1 at Sprigg and Independence to verify their residency.

Anyone else who wants a first hand look at the floodwaters can do so by volunteering to fill sandbags. If you're physically unable to sandbag, then open your wallets to help relief operations. Our neighbors living in low lying lands need our help, and the situation will only grow more critical in the 10 days as the waters continue to rise. The Salvation Army and Red Cross have teamed up to coordinate relief efforts. The Salvation Army is directing volunteers' sandbagging efforts and residents' evacuation. The Red Cross is providing lodging for flooding victims. Those wishing to help can contact the Salvation Army at 335-7000.

Downtown businesses can feel thankful for that huge, ugly floodwall as the water creeps upward. It is designed to hold back a flood of 54 feet, and is in no danger of collapsing under the pressure, say officials of the Main Street Levee District.

But those living outside the floodwall protection aren't so lucky. About 400 Cape County residents have been affected thus far, and that number could jump dramatically as the waters rise. The strength of several area levees is a growing concern - both in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois.

We must pull together to help our neighbors and ourselves by aiding sandbagging and evacuation efforts, and staying out of restricted areas. Let's work together to weather this disaster. It will take determination, cooperation and faith to see it through.