Flooding a devastating reality

With several days of sunshine in the forecast and temperatures in the mid-twenties by mid-week, we can all exhale a sigh of relief that summer may well be on its way. 

Of course, nowhere will the promise of sun be more appreciated that in those regions in Quebec and Ontario still battling catastrophic flooding. I am certain I am not alone in having thought on more than one occasion over the past few weeks of just how lucky we all are that the complex network of rivers, lakes and streams the cross the majority of our Valley were not included in massive flood zone that devastated so many communities so close to our own.

After weeks of fighting rising waters in cold, unrelenting rain, the receding flood waters, flowing of government dollars and the lifting of the declared state of emergency, coupled with this sunny respite will at least brighten the days ahead for those returning to their homes. And, with rising waters continuing to wreak havoc on communities as the flood moves through the province, the true cost of this disaster is only just coming to light.

During one of the many talk radio programs dedicating time to the flooding these past few weeks, it was noted how this type of event is one of the hardest psychologically for victims to manage as unlike other natural disasters that seem the be over in an instant, flood waters creep in slowly, with overwhelming force, and then they can remain for days, even weeks. I know there were many from this area who went to help our neighbouring communities. For those of us who were unable to physically help, but who are keeping devastated families now returning to water-logged homes and those still filling sand bags top in our minds, the Red Cross is still accepting donations to their Spring Floods Appeal through their website at redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111.