Missouri Town Evacuated as Waters Rise

Coast Guard boats and helicopters evacuated residents today from the town of West Alton, Mo., shoulder-deep in muddy water from the Mississippi and Missouri rivers as two weeks of Midwestern flooding moved downstream.

Traffic to West Alton was cut off Wednesday afternoon when the two mighty rivers overran levees on both sides of the town. (Human chain, Page 30.)

The breaks occurred despite frantic sandbagging that began Tuesday. Most of the community’s 450 residents refused to leave home until the town was covered with water, said Coast Guard Lt. Christopher Smith.

The evacuations continued this morning, officials said.

Help Refused at First

“There’s a lot of people that have finally come to their senses,� Smith said Wednesday night. “Earlier, we went through the area, advising people it was going to flood seriously. The vast majority refused our help.�

Winnett Clark, 76, and his 74-year-old wife, Bonnie, were evacuated from their home in a helicopter, with Mrs. Clark carrying the couple’s medicine.

“It was quite exciting,� she said. “I enjoyed it.�

The National Weather Service predicted the Mississippi would crest today at nearby St. Louis at about 40 feet, more than 10 feet over flood stage. In downtown St. Louis, the Army Corps of Engineers closed 20 of the 38 flood gates that protect the city.

Illinois Side Evacuated

Up the Mississippi about 15 miles, at the mouth of the Illinois River, nearly 500 people were forced to leave their homes in Grafton, Ill., when the town was almost cut off by water covering streets and roads.

“We’ve still got one exit out: Route 100 north,� Police Chief Ritchie Caldieraro said Wednesday. ‘We’re at virtually a standstill with traffic.�

The Army Corps of Engineers began flooding its new Mississippi River Lock 26 at Alton, Ill., on Wednesday to prevent the collapse of a dam surrounding the $900-million construction project.