Alberta flooding: natural disaster brought close to home
The recent floods in Alberta have brought home to Canadians the costs of natural disasters. In addition to the loss of life, the disruption to the lives of thousands of evacuees and the impact on the environment and wildlife, early estimates place the economic costs at between $3 and $5 billion.
Some believe that climate change is increasing the number and severity of extreme weather events. The World Meteorological Organization makes that link in its Statement on the Status of the Global Climate 2012, saying that " climate variability has always resulted in…extremes, but the physical characteristics of extreme weather and climate events are being increasingly shaped by climate change."
If so, then being aware of the potential for these events and prepared for the possible consequences is more important than ever.
Here are some books and DVDs about natural disasters:
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And if you're interested in learning how to be prepared for emergencies:
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2 thoughts on “Alberta flooding: natural disaster brought close to home”
I have no knowledge about anything to do with climate change.
One question I would ask is if there has been flooding in Calgary before and if such is the case, why no preparations have been made to prevent this from happening again.
In Toronto we had Hurricane Hazel in the early 1950’s and after the flooding which cost lives, the city paid to make sure this didn’t happen again. Did Calgary/
Hi Gloria,
Thanks for reminding us that Toronto has had its own history of flooding. Just last month the lower part of the Don Valley Parkway was underwater, and in 2005 I was one of the thousands of people whose basements were flooded after heavy rains. But Hurricane Hazel caused the worst flooding in Toronto’s history. Sadly, 81 people died and thousands were left homeless. But, as you mentioned, it led to watershed management and flood control programs that have made our city safer. I’m sure Calgary will be revisiting its policies and programs in the months to come in light of this week’s events.