Of all of the natural hazards/disasters that Canada faces, floods are the most frequent. They can be caused by a number of external forces and can occur in almost any season. Reasons for flooding include heavy rainfall in a short period of time, rapid melting of snowpacks when the soil is still frozen, and even dam failure. A statistic from 2010 revealed that flooding damages amounted to around 2.4 Billion US$. Projections for the country however estimate that by 2030, that price tag could triple. For example, the flood of November, 2021 in southern BC could have a price tag of upwards of 9 Billion CAD$ for the cost of rebuilding all that damage after historic rains struck last November. Undoubtedly, Canada is facing some extremely timely decisions to make in order to protect both its citizens and its assets from future flooding.
Some solutions currently proposed include cost-sharing for damage through different branches of government. However, a more comprehensive plan would be to invest in preventative measures. Other solutions could possibly include strategic placement of infrastructure to minimize the effect of floods on citizens, no matter the scale.
Varying based on the severity and type of flooding, the potential dangers are numerous. Structural damage to property, along with electrical damages, contaminated drinking water, and issues with drainage and sewage systems are all possible risks to both health and safety during and after a flood. While a storm surge is a particularly devastating form of flooding, these risks are present even with a seemingly minor flood.
Above all else, the potential for injury and loss of life, including pets and livestock, is of the utmost concern when dealing with a flood situation. In North America, flash floods have one of the highest death rates of all major weather events, and it is predicted that the frequency of flooding may increase throughout the 21st century due to climate change, particularly in coastal regions.
It is more important than ever to be prepared for a flood, particularly if you live in a high risk area.
In the spring of 2017, Lac St-Pierre in Quebec, a wider section of the St. Lawrence River, flooded. The community of Yamachiche was evacuated, and although flooding isn't unusual in this area, the extent of this particular flood greatly exceeded what residents were used to. Some well-prepared residents managed to protect their property as much as possible, but many returned to check on their homes and cottages (some by boat) on a daily basis.