The Christmas Flood of 1964: Floods and Flood Preparedness Fifty Years Later

December 1964 and January 1965 saw extreme flooding in Oregon, Idaho, California, Washington, and Nevada. The devastated areas “…encompassed about 200,000 square miles, or roughly the size of France, resulted in 47 deaths, left thousands homeless and caused more than $540 million ($3.9 billion today) worth of damage.” http://www.usgs.gov/blogs/features/usgs_top_story/the-christmas-flood-of-1964/?from=image  This United States Geological Survey (USGS) website tells us:  “During this holiday season, the 1964 Christmas flood reminds us that flooding is a national problem and can happen anytime, anywhere.” 

The 1964 Christmas Flood https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v1N9N_1Z7I   This Universal Newsreel coverage of the flood from December 28 1964 was obtained from the U.S. National Archives.  It is an example of old-style newsreels, complete with dramatic music and bad puns.  The visuals are amazing.

1964 Flood Commemoration http://or.water.usgs.gov/flood64/  Look here for interactive maps, photos, and stories about the flood.

Watch the videos and hear the personal stories of flood eyewitnesses and survivors.

1964 Christmas Flood part 1: Clackamas and Willamette Rivers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK_jUZEHyiA

1964 Christmas Flood, part 2: the Sandy River  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZnq0DmFU6E

The Christmas Flood of 1964: Learn From the Past, Prepare for the Future  http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Water/FloodReady.aspx This website has a focus on Oregon, but the lessons learned are important for people living in other states!

National Weather Service Flood Safety http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/ Do you know how to stay safe in a flood?  This National Weather Service website shows us all about flood safety, including what to do before a flood, during a flood, and after a flood.  There is also a comprehensive Flood Safety Map, featuring all fifty states and the District of Columbia.  There is flood hazard information specific to each state:  http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/map.shtml

Do you live in a region that is prone to flooding?  What have been your experiences?  Are there additional resources that you can recommend for teaching and learning about floods and flood preparedness?