Crisis & Recovery Spring Flooding
THE AFTERMATH | SUMMER FLOODING
In early July, just as momentum had begun on recovery from the wildfires, a second disaster struck. Days of heavy rainfall led to severe flooding in the area, adding to the workload of municipal employees, increasing disaster recovery and insurance claims, and compounding the heartache and frustration of residents. Within a 48-hour period, over 90 millimeters of rain had fallen – a trend that would continue for days. To those already roughing it in campers, tents and makeshift housing, the situation was especially bleak.
As the water levels steadily rose, creeks swelled their banks, roads washed out and homes were flooded. Even CN rail suspended operations in the area. It was the worst flooding the Lesser Slave River area has seen in generations.
Eventually skies cleared and the water receded, and the MD redoubled its efforts to rebuild. Organizations already in the area to assist with wildfire recovery, such as the Canadian Red Cross, added workers and resources to assist in the wake of this new crisis.
ROYALS TOUR RUINS
Halfway through a cross-Canada junket, newlyweds Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge flew to the fire-ravaged region to speak with first responders and console those who lost their homes to the flames.
COMMUNITY IN ACTION
From within our borders to far flung towns and municipalities, assistance was offered from a variety of sources. Click here to discover how these everyday heroes have helped before, during and after the disaster.
EVACUATING RESIDENTS
Municipal workers tasked with initiating evacuation procedures had to walk a fine line between conveying the sense of urgency while remaining calm and not allowing panic to take root. Here's how it went down.
FIRE WEATHER INDEX
CRISIS PRESENTATION
View an immersive presentation on the spring 2011 wildfires.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Listen to the personal accounts of those who weathered the fires.
Darren, Councillor
Kelly, Human Resource Coordinator
Tom, Landfill Manager
INTERACTIVE MAP
Discover where the wildfires began and how they spread
