Red Cross Staff and Volunteers

Charge into Action

Following Floods

Within hours after officials issued flood-related evacuation orders to residents of several Vancouver Island communities late last week, Red Cross staff and volunteers were on the ground, providing emergency hygiene and cleanup kits, as well as other relief supplies to affected residents.

About a dozen Red Cross volunteers and staff sprang to action with approximately 15 more on standby. Nathan Huculak, Communications Coordinator for the Red Cross, says the quick response from the Disaster Management team was fantastic.

“Having enough trained volunteers to deploy to the affected area made it possible for us to assist people immediately,” says Huculak. “Right now we have enough people activated to provide assistance, but the situation and weather continues to be unstable, so we may need to call on more volunteers in the near future,” he says.

The area was hit last week with significant flooding after heavy rain overwhelmed a number of Island rivers. Hundreds of residents in more than 150 homes were forced to evacuate. More than 80 homes sustained damage. Bouts of heavy precipitation continue to rain down on saturated river channels, and a good portion of the Island remains on high alert.

Right now, Huculak says volunteers are focused on providing capacity and needs assessments for flood affected residents on behalf of the Cowichan Valley Regional District. The Red Cross in BC is part of a multi-agency committee established earlier this year to coordinate recovery efforts in the Cowichan Valley. Red Cross is one of several agencies in addition to government representatives working together to provide emergency services including temporary housing, food, clothing, and other items to flood affected residents.

Huculak says the partnership is a great example of how agencies are stronger together than apart. “We are already seeing the impact of this new recovery group. We were all at the table together within hours, ready to coordinate our efforts and help people more quickly and efficiently.” he explains.

Families wishing to make an appointment for a flood assessment can call 250-746-2561. The Red Cross is conducting assessments out of the Cowichan Flood Resilience Centre at the Duncan Christian Reform Church at 930 Trunk Road.