TORONTO – The City of Calgary says only a small number of buildings may still be without power in the downtown core after last week’s devastating floods in southern Alberta that left three dead.
Officials say some structures may not yet have power because of specific electrical or other issues that need to be resolved first and officials say work will continue to restore electrical service to a number of residential neighbourhoods that were also hard hit by flooding.
In Medicine Hat, inspectors will carry on checking homes Wednesday as thousands of homeowners were forced out as a precaution when levels rose dramatically on the South Saskatchewan River.
Owners are being urged to clean their properties if they encounter problems to avoid health concerns.
In dozens of neighbourhoods in flood-ravaged Alberta communities, thousands of volunteers are helping residents struggling to clean up and around their homes. On Monday, approximate 2,500 people showed up at McMahon Stadium in Calgary alone, ready to help strangers.
Earlier this week, Alberta Environment officials said it has completed or is working to implement 13 of the 18 recommendations contained in the flood mitigation report that was presented to the government in 2006.
The work has included mapping the flood risk of 90 rivers and streams.
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As residents continue to clean up after the flood, here’s a brief “by the numbers” look at the Alberta floods (please note: numbers below are subject to constant change):
100,000 to 120,000 – The number of people that were forced out of their homes across Alberta due to the floods.
75,000 – Estimated number of Calgarians that were evacuated last week. 10,000 are still waiting to return home.
2,000 – Number of Calgary evacuees still housed in emergency centres or dormitories.
75,000 – Number of citizens who had to flee high water from the Bow and Elbow rivers after last week’s floods.
22- Number of confirmed local states of emergency as of June 25.
10 – The number of years it could take to rebuild the communities in flood affected areas in Alberta.
22 – Number of active local Emergency Operations Centres in southern Alberta.
13,000 to 15,000 – Number of residents evacuated from High River in Alberta.
80 – Percentage of High River that remained without services and the waste-water treatment plant wasn’t working as of Monday.
11,000 – Number of homes and businesses still out of power in Calgary.
9 – Number of community support centres being opened around flood zones Wednesday.
300 – Approximate number of people who ignored the High River evacuation order.
5 – Number of Alberta Search and Rescue teams working with emergency responders in affected communities.
31 – Number of communities directly affected by the floods. Find out the latest info here.
1,000 – Approximate number of homes that were hit by high water in Medicine Hat. Nearly 10,000 residents in that city were forced to head for higher ground.
1,200 – Approximate number of Siksika First Nation residents that were evacuated due to heavy flooding along the Bow River.
1,500 – Number of people registered at Medicine Hat’s emergency centre as of Sunday June 24. Accommodation had been provided for about 600 displaced residents.
$1,000,000,000 – The amount of money the province of Alberta has approved to kick-start flood recovery.
$3 to $5 billion – Initial flood damage estimates according to preliminary report from BMO analyst Tom MacKinnon. BMO predicts 25 per cent will not be covered by insurance.
$1,250 – The amount of money given to displaced adults who qualify for a pre-loaded debit card in order to help with their immediate housing needs and day-to-day purchases. $500 will be given per eligible child.
$400 million – The damage cost of the last major flood to hit Calgary in 2005.
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