Calgary Floods 2013

[adgal]

Hello everyone, it's been awhile.  I thought this current event might interest you, it sure impacted me directly.  My city just experienced the worst natural disaster in it's history.  Thursday June 20th I went to work like I do every single day.  We had had a lot of rain and our rivers were rising, but this happened with absolutely no warning at all.  By 3 pm entire communities within our city were being evacuated.  Within 48 hours a total of 100,000 people (just within the city, never mind small towns outside the city) had been evacuated, we were in a state of emergency, and the military was in.  The waters have receded, and we are left with billions of dollars in damages and thousands of displaced people.  I cannot begin to explain the devesatation here.  It not only was Calgary's worst natural disaster, it is one of the worst in Canadian history.  I have attached a couple of links...one has photographic images.  My family is safe and sound fortunately, and thank God the death toll is relatively low considering.  I am also proud to say that even with a tragedy of this magnitude, we experienced no looting and no increase in crime.  Companies are supplying services like pumping out basements for free.  The manager at our local home depot gave me several cases of bottled water as I was on my way to a low income apartment building without water - he didn't charge me a dime.  It's amazing how incredible people can be at a time like this.  Anyway, emotional time for me, and although I haven't been here in a long time, I wanted to share my cities story.  I hope everyone is well

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21YfZf8wWuo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lS4geX4PUg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWkT1HkI-Yk

[specialmom]

Hi there long lost friend.  I hadn't heard of the floods.  You must have been so scared----  both for your family and friends and all the people you deal with in your work.  It is a beautiful thing when we see people come together to help each other out.  I'm glad that your city makes you proud in that way and had no doubt that you would be right there helping others in any way you could.  

[adgal]

Thanks Brice, it sure is a bum deal.  But I will admit that your comment about the powers that be throwing this our way for the reasons you say - I have felt that way so many times in the past few weeks.  It really has been something to see, just incredible.  People really took care (and continue to take care) of others.  People opened their homes to total strangers, and many also took in pets to foster. In fact, of the 100,000 evacuated, only 15,000 or so needed to utilize emergency shelters.  And I cannot say enough about our leadership.  From our Mayor to CEMA (same as FEMA) to our front line first responders, the response was rapid and efficient.  I think that helps keep people calm - that feeling that although its chaotic, things are under control.  

[brice1967]

Bum deal you guys got dealt and I too am sorry that you've had to go through this.  I often feel that the powers that be sometimes throw things like this our way to re-instill our faith in humanity.  It is pretty amazing to see communities come together in a time of need.  

[orphanedhawk]

Thanks for posting this. I haven't kept up with the news and am always interested in odd weather.

[adgal]

Thank you all so much for the kind words and the welcome back.  I appreciate it.

An update on our situation.  We had heavy rain last night, and once again 3 neighborhoods flooded.  It's not as bad obviously as this time the rivers didn't overflow, but the heavy rain combined with already stressed sewers, etc. are causing problems.  I can't believe it.  We need a break here.

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/07/05/calgary-thunderstorm-flooding_n_3553000.html

[rivll]

*country* not *county*, *no* not *so*,  New Jersey etc.

smh

[rivll]

Fortunately Hurricane Sandy demonstrated the positive side of people in this county. There has been so serious problems in any community (Impoverished or not) after the disasters that hit both New Jersy, NYC and Alabama.
We can be proud too.
People are people...lots of good folks in *every* community.

[R Glass]

I’m sorry to hear about what ya’ll are going through but the “Silver Lining” is how the community is pulling together. Unlike New Orleans reacted to the aftermath of Katrina. The day before Katrina hit, a friend called me from Memphis and offered me and my family a place to stay until the storm had passed. I told him even though we are only about 70 miles from New Orleans they were not evacuating Baton Rouge. The only ones left in New Orleans were the fools that chose to “Ride Out” the storm and the ones that are abiding their time so they can Loot the City. When the Cell Phones finally were back up, he called to check up on me. He told me I “Hit the Nail on the Head” about the Looters and he couldn’t believe what he was seeing on the News. To this day there are still areas of N.O. that are desolate with businesses vacant and boarded up. I don’t feel sorry for the Communities nor do I blame the Businesses for refusing to rebuild.

[teko]

Im sorry you have had to go thru this, it sounds so traumatic. Sometimes I wonder if these things happen so we do get a glimpse of the great things that people do and say and all that is revealed about how people are so good and giving in their times of need. I think we need to have our faith in humanity restored these days and as bad as things can be, this is what shines thru it all. Im not surprised we have not heard anything, our media has been up the zimmerman trial to the exclusion of just about everything else lately.

Missed you.

[adgal]

Thanks Barb.  I am very proud of this city.  And thanks for the welcome back.  I did miss it here, but will admit, the break probably did me some good.  

[Barb135]

It's so good to see you back again, though I'm sorry you have such sad news.  

Reading your story, I can see why you are so proud of everyone in your city.  It's heartwarming to see people pull together in a crisis, rather than fighting each other.  

Your story was not a downer for the 4th of July - on the contrary; it's very encouraging to know that there are areas in which people still look after each other.

I watched the 3 videos and I can see that the damage is astronomical.  It reminds of me our midwest, in 1993 when there was extensive flooding, in several States.

Be proud of your city and yourself.  Thank you for posting this.

[adgal]

Thanks so much for the good wishes.  We sure need it.  As for Stampede, it started today, and although it will be a scaled back version due to the extensive damages to the grounds and the main concert venue (our dome may not even be repaired in time for hockey), I'm glad our mayor pushed forward.  There is a very small amount of criticism with some claiming he should have cancelled, but I disagree.  It's a huge revenue producer for our city, and God knows we are going to need it.  Our zoo alone has 50 million in damages.  It's just awful.  The Stampedes theme this year is "Come Hell or High Water"...perfect!  It's pretty amazing they pulled it off.

[rivll]

Lots of coverage on msnbc and npr, including economic impact on the Stampede and tourism in general.
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Hmm. I just check yahoo news to get my news and usually get alot of nonsense pop up. Happy to know the stations picked it up. :-)

[desrt]

Lots of coverage on msnbc and npr, including economic impact on the Stampede and tourism in general. Front page for at least a week with many pix on msnbc. I'm surprised other sources gave it less time.

Adgal:
I'm happy you and your family are safe and happy to see you back and posting.

[rivll]

but somehow in the US, if it's not affecting the US, it isnt' worth seeing I guess. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That appears to be the truth and I am sickened by it. Instead they were talking about someone named Kim Kardashian or more congessional bickering.
The USA is getting to be a real petty and shallow society if the media is any kind of reflection of what it we value.


.

[adgal]

And lastly...I promise I'll shut up about this after this...I wanted to share a letter a co worker of mine shared with a flood victim she helped.  This man lost his wife 3 years ago, and now he has lost everything he owned including precious photos and other irreplacable items.  My co workers name is Amy, and I adore her.

Tales from the frontlines: a letter of gratitude from Amy, a CUPS employee, sharing what she's learned over the past few days. Beautifully written, well worth a read. CUPS Clean Team have truly done us proud!
To Mr. Ross of Bowness,
I would like to write you a note of thanks. I have been given the pleasure of meeting you and you allowed me to hear you story and help clear out your home. The past 72 hours have been life altering to say the least.
You have reminded me to be thankful, to stay humble and that one’s musculature doesn’t always define their strength.
My colleagues and I were overwhelmed by the devastation and tragedy you have faced. Yet you welcomed us with an open heart and an open mind. I never imagined that just by rolling up my sleeves and getting all sorts of muddy, that City Police officers would thank me endlessly as I walked through the flooded trenches (especially after the countless hours they been giving us), or that Canadian Olympic icon Catriona Le May Doan would look at me and tell me I am a hero as she is passing out a wagon full of homemade sandwiches to volunteers.
Despite the losses these people have faced, they took time to give a smile, a “thank you” or a hug even if it was with tears in they’re eyes. As we spent the hours throwing out the mud soaked items that were once valued possessions, I quickly became honored to have given a fraction of my time to people who saw us all as heroes. I am proud to have represented my organization, my friends, and my family.
The past 3 days are ones I will cherish, and I've learned that a simple act of kindness can alter lives. I have all the more motivation to finally get my tattoo that says, “my purpose, is to simply, have purpose”.
Bob, I hope that all of these wonderful people who have come to love and adore you keep in contact. You have touched and inspired so many of us, by sharing your warmth and wisdom. I want you to know that although through your eyes you might not have any family, I stand to correct you and inform you that you now have a small army of people who have become your “flood family”. I would love to adopt you as my own grandfather.
Thank you Bob for reminding me I have purpose, thank you city of Calgary for the showing humanity that was so contagious, and in a weird way, thank you Mother Nature for allowing me this experience and this life lesson.
Over and Out,
“Mighty Mouse”
PS: Thanks for the nick name
(7 photos)

[adgal]

Oh, and about you not seeing this on the news.  That is the bizarrest thing.  It is all over Canadian news, and all over International news in Europe and the rest of the world.  But sadly, my US friends tell me they heard not a word about it on their news.  I got messages from England and other countries, but nothing out of the US until I posted information.  I don't know why that is my friend, but somehow in the US, if it's not affecting the US, it isnt' worth seeing I guess.  That isnt' criticism, just the way it is.

Nice to be back Rivil.  I have missed many of you.

[adgal]

Oh my gosh, I completely forgot it was the 4th.  Sorry to be such a downer on such a happy occasion.  But honestly, I hope this story speaks more of the positive then the negative.  I wish I could properly convey how wonderfully this is ending.  It has been devastating and tragic, but more importantly it has brought our city together.  I am on facebook a lot these days, and you saw messages offering places to stay to any and all who needed it.  You saw people offering up household goods to anyone who needed them.  You saw strangers bonding and they cleaned up.  The tragedy has brought out the best in our city.  That sounds dramatic but it's true.  Another link for you.

1 week ago https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scR5t8I4Rkk

And made today by our amazing mayor as we go into our big tourism season
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Yoni1_vJPtE#at=10

Incredible I think.  And I think it is very safe to say that our mayor is a shoe in for reelection.  He had a 90% approval prior to this disaster and now...I don't think anyone in our city has a bad word to say about the man.  Love him!!

[rivll]

It has been devastating and I am exhausted, but also beautiful to see the way people have come together and taken care of one another.  I am so proud. ----------------------------------------------
As you should be. As your neighbor I feel very proud of you all too. Your story brought tears to my eyes. I never cry over the tragedies for some reason it is the human kindness that makes me cry.
I love your Government and people.
I am astounded by the wreckage...omg I had no idea.
Being Independence day, I am thinking the rest of CE is still celebrating, but as soon as they are in, as you know they will reply. I am surprised nobody posted about it...am I the only one who missed this in the news?
Love you Amanda for your goodness and the manner that you share and spread it.

[adgal]

Thanks Rivil.  I and everyone I know has been through the full gamut of emotion.  We've cried and we've also picked ourselves up and dug in.  One of the low income buildings I take care of was evacuated as it was right in the flood zone (heck, almost the entire city was within the flood zone).  Last sunday morning I got a call at 7am that the building was without power, so my co workers and I grabbed our flashlights and evacuted the remaining tenants.  The look on their faces knowing they were about to lose everything would have made you cry.  But you know what?  When they were finally able to return home, the volunteers were there!  Cleaning up, restocking fridges, hand holding and just being there as a shoulder.  Our mayor asked for 600 volunteers to clean up our Stampede Grounds, and 1100 showed up.  I am so proud of my city and the way it has handled this.  Highway 1, our main highway, is gone.  Entire small towns are also gone.  But still people step up and are there to help in any way they can.  I have never been prouder to be a Calgarian and a Canadian.  3 days ago our gov't had pre charged debit cards for all that had been impacted...$1250 for every adult and $500 per child.  Our tax dollars well spent in my opinion.  It has been devastating and I am exhausted, but also beautiful to see the way people have come together and taken care of one another.  I am so proud.

[rivll]

Adgal, good to hear from you but very sorry for the what you and your city are experiencing. This is terrible news. I don't really keep up with the news but if this happened on June 20th I am really surprised that I didn't hear anything about it for 2 weeks.
Somehow I am not surprised that the people behaved well. Yours is a very civilized country.
I am going to check out the links now.
Thanks for posting and blessings upon you for your good work.