Calgary's flood
These last few days have been an experience. Our city and several of the surrounding cities in Southern Alberta have been flooded. Luckily, we live at the top of a bluff overlooking downtown. It was just sickening to look across the raging Bow River and see most of the city center under water. We went for a walk on Saturday morning and saw the Drop-In Center being evacuated. They sleep around 600 people every night. Hospitals and nursing homes have been evacuated and schools have closed early for the summer.
We have had high rivers before but nothing like this. The #1 Highway (our interstate) was closed for a couple of days interrupting traffic to Banff and Canmore, two towns that survive on tourism; and in fact the 2 main highways to British Columbia were closed.
It is amazing to see a city of 1.2 million come to a standstill. The power was out downtown and is still out in a lot of places. Some of the businesses will be opening tomorrow but a lot of it will be closed for awhile.
Now people are digging out their possessions - people are coming to the city and helping out. As we drove to pick up Lorraine for an appointment, we drove along a street that had just been opened. It was heartbreaking to see furniture, stoves, fridges, clothing, toys, drywall etc on the front lawns. People are still in shock.
So that is my story today. My thoughts and prayers go out to those affected.
We have had high rivers before but nothing like this. The #1 Highway (our interstate) was closed for a couple of days interrupting traffic to Banff and Canmore, two towns that survive on tourism; and in fact the 2 main highways to British Columbia were closed.
It is amazing to see a city of 1.2 million come to a standstill. The power was out downtown and is still out in a lot of places. Some of the businesses will be opening tomorrow but a lot of it will be closed for awhile.
Now people are digging out their possessions - people are coming to the city and helping out. As we drove to pick up Lorraine for an appointment, we drove along a street that had just been opened. It was heartbreaking to see furniture, stoves, fridges, clothing, toys, drywall etc on the front lawns. People are still in shock.
So that is my story today. My thoughts and prayers go out to those affected.
Replies
I\'m so glad you and your home is safe, but so sorry about what is happening to so many. I saw some pictures on the news. Didn\'t know you were close to where the flooding is.
I don\'t think anyone doubts anymore that our climate is changing and in the process it is causing so many tragedies.
Hugs, Stay Safe, Prayers going North to all our friend in Canada.
Terry
oh my... I have never realized there were so many people needing housing... I have a friend who lives in Ontario and she was receiving assistance... but the council there helped her get into housing and even to change housing when she needed to... so I thought the system worked there better than here... of course I don\'t know how many people shelter here in Baton Rouge... the world does seem to be in dire straits... I know that the areas all around will be affected too... the displaced will need housing and jobs and will place a lot of strain on things for some time...I remember after Katrina I thought about that but I was just so grateful for the people that survived to need our care... many didn\'t... It is hard... some of the displaced frankly didn\'t want to pick up and do for themselves... a lot of them didn\'t... I guess its to be expected... who is most likely not to have family or friends or resources to rebuild but people who have the least and sometimes... its because of their life choices... no matter what though... what we do or don\'t do... we do unto all...
I saw there was flooding in Canada, I didn\'t know it was where you are,,,, my thoughts and prayers with you and your city\'s residents as they begin the clean up.. love ya!
Oh, dear Marlene... I just saw this too and am SO sorry that I forgot where you live in Canada. Such devastation and I\'m sure it is so very hard to be in the midst of it.
We are at the opposite end of the spectrum with more than twenty days of no rain and fires burning like crazy all around us. Mother Nature is not happy!
Please take care dear friend and yes, prayers for all affected. Just an out of body time indeed and one full of so much anguish for many. I\'m sorry...
Loving care and continued prayers for your friend, Lorraine, and always for you.
Tight, tight (((hugs))) and LOVE!
XO Joanie
I am so sorry to hear about the flooding in your area. I don\'t know what is going on lately...all the tornadoes and hurricanes and flooding. It seems like almost everyday you hear about another disaster. It seems they are happening more frequently and they are much more devastating!! It is really scary. I hope all calms down soon...Love, Connie
Oh my, I had no idea you lived so close to where all this is happening. It sounds terrible. What a loss for people who\'s houses are under water. It is not something I have experienced but, it must be devastating. My heart and thoughts are with you and those in Calgary right now. Love and hugs, Anne
We are in a normal wet season here in central FL The last few yrs have been dry and fires. This year the prediction of Hurricanes is higher, dont know yet the season just gettng started. So Mother Nature is pissed off ! I do hope everyone is ok
stay safe Hugs Penny
Wow, I had no idea that was going on in CAN. I\'m really glad you\'re high up on a bluff so as not affected by the raging river! My Dad always said it was good to be on higher ground! Good job! I hope that the poor folks that are sorely affected will be able to recoup and recover soon...Love, Donna
oh my gosh! How awful, Marlene! I am so glad you are on higher ground. Hugs, Linda
Too terrible to see such destruction and imagine it for yourself. I live on a fairly active earthquake zone, and I never think about it. When it does give us a few shakes, it\'s nothing like Mexico City, where the buildings sway and sway for many minutes. I don\'t miss that at all. Car alarms go quite mad, as do the dogs!