What major natural disaster impacted North Dakota's landscape in 1997?

The Red River Flood of 1997 was a significant natural disaster that dramatically impacted North Dakota's landscape, particularly in the cities along the Red River, including Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. This flood was the result of a combination of heavy snowfall and a rapid warm-up in the spring that caused the river to swell beyond its banks.

The scale of the flooding led to widespread devastation, with entire neighborhoods submerged and major infrastructure destroyed. It was one of the most severe floods in U.S. history, causing billions in damages and leading to large-scale evacuations, showcasing the river's capacity to affect human habitation and the environment. The long-term effects of the flood included changes to floodplain management and policies regarding emergency preparedness in the region, making it a pivotal event in North Dakota's history. Thus, the Red River Flood stands out as a landmark disaster that reshaped both the physical and socio-economic landscape of North Dakota in 1997.