Manitoba under water

*Guest blog by Alison Frehlich, communications advisor with the Canadian Red Cross. Alison is currently in Manitoba and is sharing stories and updates on flood relief efforts by the Red Cross *

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but when I see photos of flooded communities in Manitoba, I’d say they are worth even more. How else can you describe what it is like to face a major flood? These photos give you a glimpse into what families are experiencing; families forced from their homes because roads are inaccessible or because their houses, full of treasured possessions and possibly a lifetime of memories, are submerged.

I’m told that the water may not recede in some areas until June. Even when the water is gone, recovery with be lengthy. People will return to damaged or destroyed homes and properties. Some farmland will be virtually unusable this year, which means no harvest and no income. Nearly 2,000 people in Manitoba have been evacuated and we know the needs in many communities will be great.

The Canadian Red Cross in Manitoba is supporting the provincial disaster response team, which includes the Government of Manitoba, several municipalities, as well as other local organizations. These pictures are a harsh reminder that the Canadian Red Cross’ work is far from over. Dedicated Canadian Red Cross volunteers are helping families in Manitoba now and can be counted on in the months ahead.

For anyone who has ever wondered how much Canadian Red Cross support is needed, these pictures say it all.