Major Flooding :-(

[Deb]

As far back as I can recall I don't remember ever having Environment Canada call a State of Emergency here in Calgary! We had so much rain and run off from the mountains that the two major rivers are way way up over their banks. At least six districts in lower lying areas by the river have been evacuated. My district hasnt been evacuated. Yet! I think we will be ok where we are as our houses aren't as close to the river as some houses in our area. They are saying at least 100 000 people could be evacuated for the next 72 hours at least. Many small times just outside of Calgary have evacuated as well. The town of High River (yes I know how ironic that is) is probably the worst. With people on their roofs waiting to be rescued.

This is just outside of the city........part of a house flowing by.

http://youtu.be/Js6BvFp4Afc

[Rick]

That's way up there. I hope you stay out of the flooding. Stay safe, Deb.

[Triple S]

Unless you know and love Calgary (like Deb and I) you have no idea how devastating this is for the city. Even though I don't live there anymore, it just breaks my heart to watch these news reports and the damage and loss to so many things I know so well. Thankfully none of my family lives in any of the areas affected (the house we lived in before we moved is in an evacuated area) but I have heard from a couple of friends who have been evacuated from their homes.

My thoughts are with everyone in the city I will always call home - and you stay safe Deb!

PS - I did get a chuckle about the possibility of moving some of the zoo animals to jail cells Hope they're OK but that just conjured up a funny picture in my head.

[Peartree12249]

How devastating for the City! Watching folks walking away from their homes like refugees is heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Calgary. Stay safe!

[Deb]

Unless you know and love Calgary (like Deb and I) you have no idea how devastating this is for the city. Even though I don't live there anymore, it just breaks my heart to watch these news reports and the damage and loss to so many things I know so well. Thankfully none of my family lives in any of the areas affected (the house we lived in before we moved is in an evacuated area) but I have heard from a couple of friends who have been evacuated from their homes.

My thoughts are with everyone in the city I will always call home - and you stay safe Deb!

PS - I did get a chuckle about the possibility of moving some of the zoo animals to jail cells Hope they're OK but that just conjured up a funny picture in my head.

We were evacuated at midnight Thursday night. Ours was one the 21 districts evacuated. At least we had time to grab some clothes, meds, pets, etc. before power was cut to the area. My parents district isn't as close to either of the overflowing rivers so staying with them. It is unreal! The stampede grounds and downtown are totally under water. Especially the stampede (the worlds largest outdoor show) is supposed to start in 2 weeks?? To tell you how much water is there the water is reportedly up to the 12th row seating in the Saddledome arena. Jumbotron, everything is toast. Downtown is shut down. And most roads and bridges in city are as well.

[Triple S]

That's awful Deb - hope you can go back home soon and that everything is OK with your house. Don't know where you live, but one of the friends I mentioned is in the Mission area - chances are she is not going to have much to return to.

Stay safe and keep us posted on how things are for you. It looks like the city is really pulling together.

S

[artist4perry]

Deb,
I am so sorry your having to deal with this. But truly if things go for the worst you are better to not be there. Hugs, keep us informed on what happens!

[Deb]

Thanks gals! We are back home now, our area is ok, no damage. We were lucky, so many areas were hit hard. Muddy water EVERYWHERE. Having trouble posting any pics on my IPad, will try again later. Seeing so many pets missing etc on the news just breaks my heart. Our cat was traumatized by being shifted around to different places but she was with us at least. Then you see a feel good story on the news like the older woman in one town that had to evacuate to a near by town without her dog which had to go to a separate shelter. Then she heard the shelter got flooded out and was worried about her pet. Another person heard about it and found her dog and drove it over and hour out of town to reunite them. I'm a mush at the best of times but with all the trauma of the weekend, that just made me cry many happy tears.

[scarygirl]

Glad you and the cat are okay.

Unless you know and love Calgary (like Deb and I) you have no idea how devastating this is for the city. Even though I don't live there anymore, it just breaks my heart to watch these news reports and the damage and loss to so many things I know so well. Thankfully none of my family lives in any of the areas affected (the house we lived in before we moved is in an evacuated area) but I have heard from a couple of friends who have been evacuated from their homes.

My thoughts are with everyone in the city I will always call home - and you stay safe Deb!

PS - I did get a chuckle about the possibility of moving some of the zoo animals to jail cells Hope they're OK but that just conjured up a funny picture in my head.

We were evacuated at midnight Thursday night. Ours was one the 21 districts evacuated. At least we had time to grab some clothes, meds, pets, etc. before power was cut to the area. My parents district isn't as close to either of the overflowing rivers so staying with them. It is unreal! The stampede grounds and downtown are totally under water. Especially the stampede (the worlds largest outdoor show) is supposed to start in 2 weeks?? To tell you how much water is there the water is reportedly up to the 12th row seating in the Saddledome arena. Jumbotron, everything is toast. Downtown is shut down. And most roads and bridges in city are as well.

[Deb]

Thanks all for the kind thoughts. Much appreciated. Have never been though anything like this.

http://youtu.be/_DxMVvDAYSU

[annie89509]

Thanks all for the kind thoughts. Much appreciated. Have never been though anything like this.

http://youtu.be/_DxMVvDAYSU

Looking at shots in the video, It's a beautiful city you live in, Deb. I'd only previously known Calgary as a team in the NHL.
All the best wishes to you guys on the road to recovery.

[Michigan Girl]

Oh, Deb ...so sorry and stay safe!!
These disasters are always heartwrenching ...
Thoughts and prayers...





Head south, Deb!