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At around 9:00pm on Thursday, June 20th, the City of Calgary and the Province of Alberta announced a State of Emergency. This shocked many Albertans and took many by surprise. During this time, the government ordered the evacuation of many areas within cities, townships, and neighbourhoods. This forceful upheaval of persons caused by the floods were shocking to most. Things like these rarely happen in Canada, never the less, in Southern Alberta. Yet no matter how hard, Alberta has been strong and has showed fortitude in these trying times.
The Mayor being in Toronto at the time, and the Premier being in New York. It just seemed like any other day. People just headed home to enjoy dinner with their families. It seemed like any other Thursday night. Business as usual. Most even were at disbelief of such a flood. Personally, I was at total shock once I turned on the news to hear the Premier and the Mayor announce a state of emergency. Downtown Calgary and 20 Calgary neighbourhoods were forcefully shut down. Many were confused to hear news that their precious down town had been submerged in metres of water.
Canmore, High River, and Sundre are three communities that have been hit the hardest. The Bow River has congested to the point where these communities have been evacuated. Emergency services have been scrambling to ensure the safety of the citizens of Alberta. The Canadian Army has also been deployed to ensure that the rescue efforts go smoothly.
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Responses to the flood have been generally under control. The City of Calgary announced the closures of every public school as well as the conversions of community centres into emergency shelters. 20 neighbourhoods of Calgary have been declared evacuated. These neighbourhoods also include the Downtown core. The Mayor announced that everyone should stay home and avoid any business in Downtown Calgary.
The Mayor of Calgary, Naheed Nenshi, announced on Sunday that the flood waters are officially lowering. Certain displaced persons were given the go ahead to return to their homes. Throughout many communities, this was a sigh of relief. The federal government announced also their continual support to this province. Though, flood levels in Calgary and parts of the province are receding, it gives no amnesty to test the water. The mayor urged citizens to STAY AWAY FROM THE RIVER OR THE FLOODED AREAS. Though many out of curiosity, may have the temptation to do so. It is still risky since no one knows whether the land will give weigh. This flood is not over. The expenses to rebuild the damaged areas will take almost a year to accomplish. Though, the Mayor still optimistic. Promising that just because Calgary is submerged, that Calgarians will still be able to have a chance to enjoy the stampede. Quite a large promise made by the mayor, but still, shows the strength and courage many Albertans have.
Though no matter how hard the floods may come. Alberta is a strong and proud province. Like what the Premier had said during a press conference, “Alberta is resilient and strong.” Calgary Emergency Services and the Mayor, Naheed Nenshi, have responded magnificently to this terrible storm. Once hearing news of emergency, the Premier, the Canadian Army, the Mayor, and the Prime Minister, came to Alberta at the first sight of disaster. Great kudos to all the courageous men and women who have spent their time and energy to ensure that everyone in this Province stays safe. Alberta is a close knit community and this disater has brought the best out of Alberta. Together, Alberta and all of Canada can pull through this. Hand in hand, united and strong, we will rise from this and come back bigger and better.
Photos byCTV News Calgary & CTV News