Anyone who has followed me knows I was evacuated with my entire city during 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires. It was extremely scary and traumatic, and the city continues to heal from that.
Well. If pandemic wasn’t enough, we are in the middle of a 100 year flood. 15,000 people are currently evacuated from the city centre. Most essential services are located downtown, as this city grew from a trading post along the river.
Fortunately, I live way up a hill and my house is safe. My sister in law (ex? Not sure) who is my good friend, lives downtown. Fortunately she was out of town, or she would most likely have been evacuated in a boat. Her condo building is under water.
The city is devastated and it’s not over. The river is still jammed. The water treatment plan is impacted and we are on a boil water advisory. The hospital has been threatened.
It is truly shocking and scary and I cannot believe that this is how 2020 continues to unfold. In the picture below, the green roof is a grocery store. 4 of the 8 grocery stores for the city are in this area. And the city itself is a 5 hour drive up one highway from the next major centre. This happened over night.
I am inspired by the resiliency of people and the effort the entire city has put forward to help in any and all ways. Sandbagging, donating, volunteering. In the midst of a health crisis true humanity shines through.
If you have a moment, please send me some thoughts of heat. We need the ice to melt so the river can flow!
Stillness and peace
Anne
Oh my goodness! We have too much heat here, over 100 today, wish I could blow some your way. Hugs and prayers for all in your town!
Wow! Here in Colorado, we had some major flooding back in 2013…it was pretty bad too. Plenty of destruction.
Hopefully things calm down soon – floods, viruses and anything else. It’s been a tough time for a lot of people for sure. Thankfully you’re safe.
Sending right now! I’m so sorry you are going through this in your area. Glad your house is ok and your family is safe.
Oh my goodness. This brings back so many memories of the 100 year flooding that happened a few years back in my hometown. It is amazing how resilient we can be when adversity strikes. Much love, prayer (and heat) to you and your community. ❤️🥰
Oh…I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Please stay safe. 💙💙
Anne, This is heartbreaking. Please reach out if there is anything I can do to help. Sending heat and lots of love. Lisa
Sending hope, prayers, and sunshine/heat….
How awful Anne – I hope you’re ok and your town comes through this all love and hugs and I hope you get some sunshine 💞💞
I live in Calgary. Our hearts really do go out to you. It must feel like one thing after another …
Anne, that is devastating!
Much love to you and your family and community.
xo
My heart is with you all Anne. xoxo
Oh my goodness Anne … this is awful. We’re so bogged down with all the Coronavirus talk that I wasn’t even aware. I’m sending you heat, love and a giant hug. Katie
OMG! I send you strength, hope and prayers. I remember living through Hurricane Sandy in the Northeast. Water knows no boundaries.
You’ve been so strong this past year-I have faith that you will get through this ,too.
Anne, lots of love and please stay safe. xx
I feel like I lived that first flood with you, via your blog. Sending thoughts of heat your way!!
Wow. Sending strength, heat and calm. 💕
Oh Anne, that is just terrible. I’m so sorry for your town and the community. Really scary times for you. Sending love xx
Sending prayers, glad you are safe.
Holy…. that image is mind-blowing. Kind of puts things into perspective. Wow. Thanks for sharing… I had no idea. My instinct is to say “sending heat vibes and prayers” but I know it’s not enough. I’m so sorry. This is terrible.
Things are improving, but it’s just shocking.
Thank you!
Sending you warm thoughts!!! How scary. I hope you are doing okay. XO
I’m praying that it ends soon x
I was sure hoping that you had been spared by the flood. Oh boy, how much can one town take? Tough time in our oil industry and schooling is a bit of a mess, but, you’re right, school can wait and this will all pass. I must admit I’m getting a little tired of all the drinking memes,however my ice cream consumption has cranked up a bit so who am I to judge. 🍦 Stay safe,stay strong
Sunflower 🌻 Day 1409
This made my day. I am so happy we met.
Anne I’m glad you are safe and I’m glad your exSIL? was away, but how incredibly sad for all those whose homes are underwater right now. I can’t even begin to imagine how hard that must be. Saying prayers.
Prayers 🙏🏻
How are things now Anne ? Did the ice melt a bit ? xxx Anne
The river eventually broke, and is flowing nicely.
The damage to the city is estimated at 300 million.
My sister in law is looking at 4 months before her building is repaired.
It’s a hard blow to many to have a house flood. But the city has come together and the province is providing some financial relief.
2020 is insane.
oh my god, I am so sorry, and to all the people affected. 2020 truly is absolutely apocalyptic …. someone said it’s like LIVING season 6 of black mirror instead of watching it (I can’4t watch it, it’s too intense for me, but I agree with the idea!). xxx Anne