The Flood of "93 affected everybody in Central Missouri, and elsewhere.
At worst, people were displaced from the homes - in some cases, permanently. At best, people were inconvenienced.
When floodwaters crested at 38.65 feet 20 years ago today, U.S. 54 north of the Missouri River Bridge was under water, closing traffic between Cole and Callaway counties.
At that time, the only direct east-west route through Jefferson City was Main Street. Members of the Missouri National Guard - now being deployed to Afghanistan - were assisting local police with traffic control.
Emergency response personnel performed rescues and remained ready. Organizations and volunteers opened and staffed shelters. Property owners filled and stacked sandbags in an effort hold back floodwaters.
And when, at long last, the waters receded, weary residents faced the daunting task of cleaning up the mud and repairing the damage.
Throughout these tribulations, the resilience of residents was tested and not found wanting.
People worked together and pulled together. They stood shoulder-to-shoulder and sandbagged together.
The 20th anniversary of the flood - the highs and lows, the trials and triumphs - will be focus of a book to be published by The News Tribune.
We invite readers to share their photographs and recollections for possible inclusion.
Material may be sent by email to [email protected] or delivered to our office at 210 Monroe St.
A natural disaster of the scope of the "93 flood leaves a lasting mark - on the landscape and on its people.
Cedar City, a former river community, no longer exists. Hartsburg, another river community, has "forged a new strength," according to a Sunday story.
Similarly, the lives of people were affected by the Flood of "93. Coping with loss, strengthening resolve and forging new friendships are only a few of those changes. Tell us your story.