Illinois Levee Compromised At Carthage Lake; President Bush Addresses Those Affected By Midwest Flooding

June 17, 2008 10:38 a.m. EST

(AHN) - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local officials are watching an escalating situation as the Mississippi River is on the rise and has pushed through a levee at Carthage Lake, just south of Gulfport in Illinois.

The latest breach is just a part of the overall concerns surrounding the Midwest. President Bush has been briefed on the ongoing situation and is slated to visit the region on Thursday.

The National Weather Service forecasts rain of such a magnitude that the Mississippi River may continue to swell and compromise just under 30 levees along the river.

Ron Fournier, a spokesman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, spoke to CNN about the levees in question and stated that they span between Davenport, Iowa and St. Louis, Missouri.

In response to the compromised levee, local authorities have closed Great River Bridge that connects Burlington and Gulfport via U.S. Highway 34.

Amtrak service between Denver and Omaha and Seattle and Chicago has been suspended in response to the flooding.

In his address to press, President Bush did promise those that have been affected by the floods that short-term housing has been discussed and there are supplements in place to deal with the loss of crops that farmers are also facing.