Long lines snaked through parking lots into streets as hundreds of evacuees waited for a little bit of relief.
The provincial government began processing pre-loaded debit cards for flood victims.
But standing for hours in the heat had many frustrated, and growing concerned for the well-being of fellow evacuees.
“The solution would be to have had a priority line for people who obviously cannot stand in line for this long,” said Janine Labossiere, waiting in line with her parents who were displaced from High River. “They needed to have a line-up for people who are ill, who aren’t well, who are elderly, and who have small children.”
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Sites in Nanton and Vulcan are ensuring High River residents are given priority for the prepaid cards.
Adults receive $1, 250, children $500, to help cover expenses due to displacement.
For some, the cards are the first step to moving on. For others, who left home with nothing, it’s the means to getting by.
“I’m living with my folks right now actually and they have two places in town. One on the West end, and one on the Southeast and both were affected by the water,” said High River evacuee Chris Anger. “They’re thinking both are probably going to be condemned.”
The line in Nanton moves in alphabetical order. Those who fell towards the end left in the dark about when their cards would be issued.
Many more Albertans in disaster zones outside High River will start getting their cards in the next few days.
After today’s unexpected turnout government officials are warning flood victims to pack their patience.
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