First steps to recovery in High River

The town of High River has been the focus of much of the attention since devastating flooding prompted a state of local emergency and the evacuation of its residents.

Homes impacted by flooding in High River

This weekend, residents from one of the eight zones were allowed to return to High River for the first time, after receiving an update from the Alberta government about the state of their home – from green to red – depending on the extent of the damage. They are not yet allowed to reside in the town, but it’s a step towards going home.

Canadian Red Cross volunteers distributing clean-up kits and water

Red Cross staff and volunteers providing assistance to residents of High River

I spent Saturday with dozens of Canadian Red Cross volunteers at the centre set up for High River residents as part of the re-entry process. Red Cross volunteers worked long hours under the sun unloading and distributing a tractor trailer full of clean up kits, thousands of bottles of water, and other relief items. But distributing items is really only part of the story. Red Crossers offered kind words of compassion and encouragement, assisted elderly people and those with disabilities navigate through the long lines, identified needs, and did what they could to make a difficult day more bearable.

The first people residents encountered after receiving their home’s assessment were Red Cross volunteers. We heard the words thank you over and over again throughout the day.

It’s been challenging for residents. Some left the centre elated after receiving good news that their homes had minimal or no damage. Others received less positive news and now know their road to recovery will be long.

Red Cross support in High River and other impacted communities in Alberta is on-going.