To see what they are looking at, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKVyI47tXE4
Raw, unedited video. One the other side of the fence, the Missouri River was withing one step of their feet. Ten days ago, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimated peak water level was already 29.5 ft at Parkville. Previous flooding in English Landing Park has occurred at 28 ft. Although rising by several feet within the past two days, the Missouri River is still (barely) within the banks. Post Flood of 2007 "improvements" seem to be holding the River back. Unfortunately, it is now certain that the Mighty Mo cannot be held back much longer.

From the gallery http://www.pbase.com/britestar/2011_flood_of_the_century