Home / Disasters and Accidents / B.C. Flooded: Homes Submerged Amidst Torrential Rains
B.C. Flooded: Homes Submerged Amidst Torrential Rains
19 Dec
Summary
- Four feet of water flooded Esquimalt home amidst heavy rains.
- Restoration company received nearly 100 calls on some nights.
- Fernie released untreated sewage into Elk River due to heavy rain.
Torrential rainfall has saturated British Columbia, leading to significant flooding and states of local emergency, particularly in the Fraser Valley. In Esquimalt, Priya Sharma's home experienced four feet of flooding, causing immense anxiety about further damage and future costs due to ongoing rainfall. This event echoes the severe weather patterns seen during the November 2021 atmospheric river.
Restoration companies have been overwhelmed, receiving as many as 100 calls on certain nights. Experts note that the ground's full saturation means water will seek out the lowest points. Meanwhile, wildfire-damaged slopes in the Fraser Canyon face increased landslide risks, leading to preemptive highway closures. Lytton First Nation is concerned about debris and washed-out roads.
Further compounding the crisis, the city of Fernie has been releasing untreated, diluted sewage into the Elk River. This measure was deemed necessary to prevent the wastewater treatment plant and pumping stations from failing entirely. City officials anticipate the diluted effluent will not cause lasting environmental impacts.
