Flooding across British Columbia has caused devastating damage and has left thousands of citizens stranded. In 2021, British Columbia fell victim to severe weather, a result of climate change.
British Columbia has seen some of its most intense weather this year. B.C experienced the highest temperatures ever recorded in Canada just this summer, and recently what is referred to as a “500-year flood,” meaning, flooding that is only expected to occur once every 500 years. “We have been through more dangerous weather this year than me or my parents have seen our whole lives,” said Jack Molson, who is a student at Riverside and was stranded in Kamloops due to the flooding. Atmospheric rivers are a common phenomenon, but the one B.C just encountered released record-shattering amounts of rain. This being yet another weather-related record that British Columbia has broken this year.
This series of intense weather events has exhausted the minds of citizens affected by the flooding. “It was kind of scary seeing other people on the plane so shocked and stressed. The other passengers seemed really worried,” said Jack Molson. Living in areas susceptible to flooding after witnessing the damage caused to other cities has caused many to worry about their safety. As global warming grows so does eco-anxiety throughout the populace.
This flooding will also leave long-term detrimental effects on the province. British Columbian agriculture will suffer the most. “The devastating floods have set farmers back by at least a decade; it will take them years to recover,” said blueberry farmer David Gills in an interview with Brenna Owen, reporter and editor for The Canadian Press. It is stated that it will take up to 12 years for blueberries to come into full production and several years for other locally grown crops. This means it may be several more years before British Columbian residents may be able to enjoy the province’s locally grown fruits and vegetables again. Not only did the crops fall victim to this intense weather, but thousands of livestock have passed away as well. Farmers were desperately attempting to rescue animals that have managed to survive until this point but with little success; Farmers and volunteers were able to rescue nearly 50 cows, but 420 cattle lost their lives to the flooding.
The province of British Columbia fell victim to a lot of devastating weather this year, and with climate change on the rise, it shows no signs of slowing down.
Though, on a positive note, these tragic events have strengthened the bonds between individuals in communities affected by the flooding. “When flood victims described the kindness of volunteers to me, some broke out in tears of gratitude,” said Ian Austen, photographer, and journalist for the New York Times. Having community members come together and help the less fortunate despite suffering themselves has built relationships that will continue to exist even after they have recovered from the flooding.
The province of British Columbia fell victim to a lot of devastating weather this year, and with climate change on the rise, it shows no signs of slowing down. But despite the physical damages caused, these events have built a stronger, more unified British Columbia.
