Skip to content
Français

Fort McMurray and Area Floods

An aerial shot capturing the flooding on rural farmland.
Photo: Greg Halinda


In late April 2020, high water levels and river ice jams caused extensive flooding in northeastern Alberta. Communities in Fort McMurray, MacKenzie County, and the surrounding areas were forced to evacuate. The Canadian Red Cross was already on the ground and able to provide practical and emotional support to people evacuated from their homes. Working in close partnership with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and other organizations, the Red Cross helped families meet basic needs.


Appeal Update

Canadian Red Cross is committed to providing information on our operations and on how donations are being spent. As of March 31, 2026, all funds donated to support those impacted by the flooding in 2020 have been spent or committed.

Fort McMurray and Area 2020 Floods Appeal Update, as of March 31, 2026



Red Cross Response

In support of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) and Mackenzie County, the Canadian Red Cross provided a range of services to support households, small businesses and not-for-profit organizations directly affected by flooding in Fort McMurray and the surrounding area. Through our support we:
  • Registered more than 13,000 people from households impacted due to spring flooding in Alberta.
  • Provided over 5,300 households with financial support to help meet their re-entry needs.
  • Answered more than 25,000 phone calls through the call centre to support people impacted by the flooding.
  • Welcomed impacted people at 2 reception centres.
  • Made over 300 connections for psychosocial or well-being support and madeprovided over 180 referrals to external agencies.
  • Provided more than 5,400 emergency supplies, including blankets and clean-up kits.
  • Booked over 430 hotel rooms for people impacted by the flooding.
  • Assisted over 340 people with applications for the Alberta government's Disaster Recovery Program.
  • Provided financial assistance to 87 eligible small businesses and not-for-profit groups affected by the floods.