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December 2025 Atmospheric River in Southern British Columbia

An atmospheric river event in December 2025 delivered extreme rainfall to southern British Columbia, which led to flooding. Major highways were closed and evacuation orders were put in place in the Fraser Valley and surrounding area.

The Canadian Red Cross provided one-time financial assistance to help households that were evacuated from their homes due to the December 2025 atmospheric river in Southern British Columbia.

Register with the Red Cross

Please note: Registration for this program is now closed.

The Canadian Red Cross provided $750 in one-time financial assistance to eligible households in the areas most impacted by the December 2025 atmospheric river in Southern British Columbia.

In order to have been eligible to receive the financial assistance, households must have been registered with the Canadian Red Cross and met the following criteria: 

  • Their primary residence must have been placed under an evacuation order on December 10 or 11, 2025 due to the atmospheric river event in the Fraser Valley and surrounding area.
  • Their primary residence placed under evacuation order is located in one of the following communities:
    • Chawathil First Nation
    • Chopaka (Lower Similkameen Indian Band)
    • City of Abbotsford
    • City of Chilliwack
    • Fraser Valley Regional District
    • Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen
    • Semá:th (Sumas) First Nation
  • Be registered by March 13, 2026 and have their identity validated by the Canadian Red Cross.
  • Have unmet needs and confirmed impacts due to the December 2025 atmospheric river in Southern British Columbia.

FRAUD ALERT: Unfortunately, there are some people who may try to take advantage of those impacted by a disaster through fraudulent tactics. The Canadian Red Cross communicates only via email, phone, or in person and would never send a link through a text message for a person to click on to receive funds. We will never ask for your social insurance number, bank account information or credit card number during your registration or to receive assistance. The Canadian Red Cross encourages people to stay informed from credible sources, such as the Government of Canada’s website for fraud prevention tips. If you suspect you have been a victim of fraudulent activity, please contact your local police authority.

Tools to help with recovering from an emergency

After flooding: 

  • Review the step-by-step Canadian Red Cross Guide to Flood Recovery for information on what to do when you return home after flooding.
  • Flooding Checklist and Tips: general checklists and tips for navigating recovery such as how to keep documents together and organized, who to hire and not hire, who should be notified of the flooding, reminders of what to consider and tips for navigating potential flood insurance claims.
  • Home Inventory Checklist: a list of your home inventory which is helpful both for insurance and other assistance programs. In the case of an insurance claim, an insurance provider would use a similar form to assess the cost to repair or replace lost or damaged items. These items are referred to as home contents.
  • Substantial Repair and Reconstruction Contract Checklist: Hiring a contractor for damage or rebuild? Use this checklist with tips as a guide when reviewing the contract prior to signing with a contractor.

Mental health and well-being resources

Emergencies affect our wellbeing and mental health, disrupting our routines and access to social support. Individuals, families, and communities can be impacted with little warning and recovery can seem overwhelming. Review the guides below and reach out for help and support for yourself and your loved ones.

How to access help in times of crisis

If you experience reactions that make it difficult to function normally over a long period of time, seek help. One option is to contact your local health facility, or a local crisis support line.

For immediate assistance anywhere in Canada, call the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8.

National Support Resources: