This past week has been a tough one for our province as we mourn for those most impacted by the results of the "atmospheric river." We mourn for those who have lost lives, homes, and livelihoods.
[Image: Screenshot of Emergency Map BC taken at 9:47 am on November 19, 2021]
At this time, we can look to the helpers. The news is littered with stories from survivors of the deluge who have had their faith in humanity restored when people undertook heroic acts to save lives or make strangers feel comfortable as they waited for the passages home to open. Our members in these communities have been working hard to contribute. For example, Peter Bailey of Free Rein & Associates dropped everything to help set up a shelter at a local church for the many people stranded in Hope and Archway Community Services in Abbotsford put together food hampers for those who were impacted by the flood, posting a call out on their social media channels.
If you are far removed from the effects of the floods, please take a moment to read some of the following samplings of articles to learn more about what happened and is continuing to happen in these communities.
Stories from the Floods
- Stories of hope during B.C. floods - City News, Nov 16, 2021
- Stuck in Hope: B.C. community rallies to help stranded travellers as supplies run low - Global News, Nov 16 & updates Nov 17, 2021
- Heroic horse rescue amid heavy flooding in Merritt, B.C. - CTV News, Nov 19, 2021
- Stories from the Deluge - The Tyee, Nov 17, 2021
- ICU doctor recounts hours-long trek across B.C. to help patient hurt by landslide - CBC Radio, Nov 18, 2021
- Hope amid the chaos: Disaster brings out the best in British Columbia’s flood-hit communities - The Globe & Mail, Nov 17, 2021
- Princeton residents take in 76 cats and dogs after transport stranded by B.C. storm - CTV News, Nov 17, 2021
Finally, if you are looking for ways to help, this news story has a list of places to send donations:
A Grand Forks member at last week's member meeting told us about their serious flooding that happened four and a half years ago of which their community is still recovering. This most recent disaster, as well as the disasters from last summer, will take a lot of time, money, and political will from which to recover. Whether in the thick of it or on the outskirts, I encourage you to get involved in the recovery efforts.
Janet Morris-Reade
CEO, ASPECT
