Unprecedented Rainfall Causes Devastating Floods in Nova Scotia
OTTAWA, July 22 – Heavy rainfall in the Atlantic Canadian province of Nova Scotia has resulted in catastrophic floods, causing extensive damage and leaving four people missing, including two children. The storm began on Friday and within 24 hours, more than 25 cm (10 inches) of rain poured down – equivalent to the average rainfall over a three-month period. As a result, roads were washed away, bridges weakened, and buildings submerged.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston commented on the situation, stating, “We have a scary, significant situation.” He added that at least seven bridges would need to be reconstructed. The extent of property damage to homes is described as unimaginable.
Acknowledging the severity of the situation, Houston announced that the province would be seeking substantial support from the federal government. In response, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed deep concern about the floods and reassured Nova Scotia that Ottawa “will be there” to assist.
These floods mark the latest in a series of weather-related disasters to strike Canada this year. Record-breaking wildfires have ravaged vast areas, causing smoke to drift into the United States. Notably, heavy rains recently led to floods in several eastern states.
Following the devastation caused by the floods, a state of emergency has been declared in Halifax, the province’s largest city, and four other regions. The regional municipality in Halifax reported significant damage to roads and infrastructure, urging residents to stay at home and avoid using their cars.
Images circulated on social media depict abandoned vehicles nearly submerged in floodwaters, with rescue workers employing boats to rescue stranded individuals.
Tragically, two children went missing after their car was submerged, according to police reports cited by Premier Houston. In another incident, a man and a youth were reported missing after their vehicle entered deep water.
The power supply was disrupted for over 80,000 people at one point due to the flooding.
Environment Canada has forecasted torrential rain to continue in the eastern part of Nova Scotia through Sunday, warning residents that the situation remains very dynamic. Halifax Mayor Mike Savage addressed the press conference, comparing the heavy rains to “biblical proportions.”
Meteorologist Ryan Snoddon of the Canadian Broadcasting Corp revealed that the rainfall in Halifax is the most substantial since a hurricane struck the city in 1971.
Early on Saturday, residents in northern Nova Scotia were ordered to evacuate due to concerns of a potential breach of a dam near the St. Croix River system. However, the evacuation order was later rescinded.
Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Daniel Wallis, Richard Chang, and Paul Simao