Red Cross responds as floods impact communities across Canada

For many communities in Canada, it’s increasingly the case that with spring time comes devastating floods. This year the trend continued with record-high water levels in New Brunswick and within a couple weeks, historic levels of flooding hit many communities in British Columbia.

The Canadian Red Cross is working with local and provincial authorities to assist thousands of people impacted by flooding. Depending on the needs of individuals and families, the Red Cross is providing support such as registering evacuees, relocating people to hotels and providing them with food vouchers.
 
Flooding hit communities in B.C.’s southern interior, forcing thousands from their homes. Heavy rain combined with snowmelt from the mountains has caused severe damage in Grand Forks, the wider Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, and surrounding areas. Evacuation alerts were issued for many communities as historic flooding has impacted entire towns.
 

Flooding along the Saint John River and other waterways has caused damage and forced people from their homes. This has resulted from record snowfall in the region over the winter followed by significant rainfall in the spring.

If your household is impacted by floods:

• In British Columbia, you may be eligible for direct financial assistance. For more information on the support available in your community, and to register with the Red Cross, click here.
• In New Brunswick, you may be eligible for direct financial assistance. For more information on the support available in your community, and to register with the Red Cross, click here.

How you can help

If you wish to support the Red Cross response to spring flooding, you can contribute to the British Columbia Floods Appeal or the New Brunswick Floods Appeal. Your generosity helps meet the needs of Canadians who have been most impacted by the floods.

B.C. Government Match – For Residents of B.C. Only:
From May 16 to July 31, 2018, the B.C. Government will match dollar-for-dollar donations made by individuals who are residents of B.C.
 
Canadians wishing to donate to other provinces wherever help may be needed can contribute to the Spring Floods Appeal, which will be used to provide essential support for any of the most affected regions in Canada.
Donations to the Red Cross will support individuals, families and entire communities affected by the flooding.

Support will be provided based on needs identified across impacted regions as we work alongside local authorities. This may include aid in the form of food, clothing, and shelter, or recovery assistance in the form of clean-up materials, household repairs and furniture replacement.

Photo: Angela Hill / Canadian Red Cross