Over the weekend of May 12, the Kettle River in Grand Forks, B.C. flooded into the downtown region forcing several low-lying areas to evacuate. Although the water receded, residents braced themselves because the river was expected to flood a second time.
In an unexpected turn of events, flood waters are beginning to recede in Grand Forks and some residents are returning home. However, the situation is not completely over yet. There are still a significant number of evacuation orders in effect throughout the rest of the region.
Grand Forks, British Columbia
The Canadian Red Cross is helping meet the urgent needs of flood-impacted residents in Grand Forks and the rest of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary. We encourage evacuated residents to register with Emergency Social Services or the Red Cross. Registration helps ensure we can reach you with important information and reunite families if they are separated. Reception centre locations are available on the Provincial Emergency Social Services website.
Residents from the Kootenay Boundary District can call the Red Cross at 1-800-863-6582. We have a reception centre set up at the Grand Forks Curling Club at 7230 21 Street. Residents from the Kootenay Boundary District can also find clean-up kits at the reception centre. Clean-up kits can be picked up from the reception centre from 8:30am to 8pm on Tuesday, May 22 and 9am to 4pm beginning on Wednesday, May 23.
During a flood, it is important to be cautious and avoid flood waters as much as possible. If you are returning home to clean up, wear protective clothing and be careful. Check out our Flood Recovery Guide for more tips.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed and stressed. Be patient with yourself and others. For more information on dealing with a crisis please check out our Coping with Crisis Guide.
Canadians who wish to help are invited to donate to the British Columbia Floods Appeal. Donations from British Columbians to the Canadian Red Cross made from May 16 until July 31 will be matched by the B.C. Government.
