Red Cross mobilizes as floods inundate Southern Alberta
From Lethbridge in eastern Alberta to Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, flooding affecting hundreds of homes and communities has forced several evacuations.
On June 18, 2010, local Red Cross volunteers and staff were on standby to assist in Lethbridge County, the City of Medicine Hat, and the towns of Irvine and Coaldale, AB. These teams are trained and equipped to provide registration and inquiry services for large-scale shelters in these communities. The Canadian Red Cross is also prepared to provide emergency shelter assistance, food, water and hygiene kits to individuals who may be evacuated as a result of the flooding.
On the Blood Tribe Reserve, Red Cross teams are assisting the Blood Tribe Disaster Services response in Stand Off – one of the most flood-affected communities in southern Alberta. Large-scale shelters have been set up and are stocked with Red Cross cots and blankets. The Red Cross was on scene immediately on June 17 as a result of a longstanding partnership with Blood Tribe Disaster Services, including having a Red Cross office in Stand Off.
The Red Cross continues to watch flood conditions and work with community partners across southern Alberta to ensure individuals who require emergency aid receive it.
In Oliver, British Columbia, a landslide June 13 resulted in the destruction or damage of five homes and forced evacuations. The Red Cross remains in constant communication with provincial and municipal authorities and are available to assist if circumstances warrant.
Each year our Disaster Response teams assist hundreds of adults and children facing evacuations and other emergencies, arranging food and shelter and providing a range of personal-support services. Learn more about Red Cross support for municipalities, provinces and territories.
Canadian Red Cross support is provided at no charge to those in need. To donate financially to our domestic Disaster Management programming, visit your local Red Cross office, call 1-800-418-1111 or go online to www.redcross.ca/donateonlinenow/.
