qathet residents are no strangers to rain, but the August 6 storm was something else entirely.
Over a period of 60 minutes, more than 44 millimetres fell, shattering the previous local daily record and leaving behind flooded roads and basements, damaged roofs and stranded shoppers. The sheer force of the downpour was a surprise for many people, despite a warning from Environment and Climate Change Canada earlier in the day.
For some shoppers in Town Centre mall, floodwater blocked exits, turning quick stops into lengthier stays due to doors being shut and locked to keep the water out. Several businesses are now facing costly repairs, and the city confirmed localized road damage in several areas.
Days later, attention turned from water to fire. A one hectare wildfire burned out of control on Powell Lake near Townsite and Wildwood in the afternoon on August 10. It continues to be monitored after BC Wildfire Service, Powell River Fire Rescue and RCMP worked together to contain the flames, even asking boaters to steer clear so helicopters could safely refill.
These back-to-back events underline a reality that, like much of the province, this region must grapple with severe weather becoming more unpredictable. Climate extremes do not wait their turn.
Preparation is key. That means heeding official warnings, having an emergency plan and making sure homes and businesses are ready for whatever comes. For authorities, it means ensuring communication is clear and rapid, and that resources are in place to respond to multiple crises at once.
Weather cannot be controlled, but responding to extremes can be. The recent rain storm and wildfire should prompt everyone to ask whether they are ready for the next surprise nature delivers.
It’s not a question of if the unexpected will happen, but when.
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