On September 24, 1993, the Great Flood of 1993 reached its peak, affecting much of the Midwest United States. The flood, caused by record-breaking rainfall and snowmelt, devastated communities along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Thousands of people were displaced, and the flood caused over $15 billion in damage. More than 50 people lost their lives, and many towns were left submerged for weeks. The disaster prompted changes in flood management policies and increased investment in flood control infrastructure.