Friday 21 June 2013

Flood At Highwood Crossing Farm

Alberta is experiencing the worst flooding in sixty years. M's parents just tweeted to say both their farm and processing plant in High River, Alberta are flooded. This is the centre of town today, where the plant is located. 



M was out there all day yesterday, unable to get into town but neighbours helped her move stuff out of the basement and board up windows and doors at the farmhouse. Her parents are away in Toronto receiving an award for innovative farming practises and product development. How ironic.

My heart goes out to all the farmers in the flooded areas. Earning a living off the land is never easy, this will be devastating.

15 comments:

  1. Oh my! That is some serious flooding! I know all too well about this...I hope that there is not too much damage and that everyone recovers quickly. Take care Nicole

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    1. Nicole, I swear I answered this earlier today... anyway, wanted to say, thinking of your flood experience, and the fact you got through it, has been a tremendous comfort today.

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  2. How awful - I do hope really serious damage has been avoided but I suspect the costs to everyone will be high.
    I can't believe that this is anything other than global warming - on the news last night it showed Lourdes in the South of France completed flooded too, with millions of euros damage to the shrines and buildings.

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    1. I agree, so many changes in weather patterns. On the news last night a feature about how many of our bird species are dropping to "threat of extinction" levels. These are the kinds of things people don't notice but have a huge trickle down effect.

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  3. Such extreme weather everywhere! I hope the damage isn't too bad. Do they say when the flooding will go down? I hope they all are safe and well.

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    1. No loss of life reported thank goodness. The in laws have worked so hard to build up their business, to see it washed away must be a bitter experience. I'm sure they are insured but the work involved in rebuilding will be enormous.

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  4. I am so sorry! I know you are concerned about your loved ones. I do hope the damage is minimal.

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    1. Thanks Bonnie. No one is allowed into the area so we won't know the extent of the damage for a few more days.

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  5. That's horrible! Is it from rain? There has been so much flooding this year already. I'm glad the people are safe even if the properties aren't. People can't be replaced.

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    1. Yes, the rain. Normal monthly average in three days. Unfortunately three people are confirmed dead. This is very personal for us but I can't lose sight of the fact 600 people drowned in flooding in India during the same time.

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  6. Wow, that water is high! Whenever I see flooding like this, I always wish there was a water pipeline to the west where they could send flood water and use it in drought areas. Best wishes for recovery for M and her family, and congratulations on the engagement by the way!!

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    1. Water issues along the Canadian/US border are a delicate issue. However I think you are right, if we can build pipelines for oil across the country surely we could send extra water to reservoirs in the south.

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  7. How dreadful. This has been on the news in the UK. Hoping the floodwaters go down soon.

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    1. They are receeding, now to deal with the mud!

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  8. Hi Susan, I've been seeing this on the news. How absolutely devastating. I can't imagine the work and dealing with the loss. I hope they can get a lot of assistance from the powers that be. Please keep us updated.

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