As flood evacuation orders are lifted in Fort McMurray and residents are being permitted to return home, many people now face a massive cleanup job.
“Nobody in my immediate family or friends has been hurt or has lost anything intimate in that sense, so it’s just stuff,” said Karl Behrisch, whose basement was completely destroyed in the flood.
“We’ll get past it,” he said Saturday.
The Lower Townsite neighbourhood where Behrisch’s home is located had its evacuation order lifted Friday, along with every other neighbourhood except Draper.
Canadian Red Cross is offering assistance for those returning to their homes. The organization has been in the community working with residents since the 2016 wildfires.
“So this is definitely going to be a [psychological], social, mental health challenge in this community.”
Due to COVID-19, Red Cross is working to virtually register those who need help instead of an in-person system. Both of its offices in the city have been impacted by the flooding.
The situation with the pandemic will also affect how neighbours can help one another. Experts say it is crucial that proper protective wear is used if you are helping someone outside of your household.
Superstore donates food
On Saturday, the Superstore in Fort McMurray’s downtown donated all of its extra produce and perishables to the Wood Buffalo Food Bank.
The Superstore has been closed throughout the flooding but has not lost power and was not damaged.
Since there was concern the food would go bad before the store could reopen safely, it decided to put it towards a good cause.
“No one likes walking by a grocery store and seeing the dumpster full of fresh food that could have gone somewhere.”
Edwards said the food bank was damaged by the flooding. He said he hopes to have a temporary emergency location up and running by Monday morning.
“I was granted some access to the building. There is significant damage,” he said. “It’s pretty devastating.”
Emergency housing extended
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo said Saturday that emergency housing through the Red Cross would be extended until May 10.
“Ensuring the safety of residents affected by the flood continues to be our top priority,” said Mayor Don Scott in a news release.
“This includes making sure that those whose homes aren’t safe to occupy continue to have a place to sleep.”
If you have urgent flood-related housing needs, the RMWB advised people to contact the Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-863-6582.
–With files from Heather Yourex-West and Breanna Karstens-Smith, Global News
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