Parts of Abbotsford are still facing a flood warning, with numerous residents grappling with power outages following heavy rainfall. Despite the receding floodwaters, the aftermath poses challenges for affected homeowners. Some residents, recalling the 2021 flood, took precautions by safeguarding valuables in their basements, but many are still dealing with significant losses.
Rick Jamieson shared his experience, stating, “There was significant water in the basement, causing extensive damage.” Kristin Sayn expressed frustration, saying, “Dealing with the aftermath is overwhelming—it’s messy and odorous.”
Others, like Kathar Thandi, whose home remains flooded and powerless, face a daunting task ahead. Thandi recounted, “Our basement was completely renovated after the 2021 flood, but now we have to start over again.”
While efforts are underway to restore normalcy, Abbotsford remains vulnerable to potential risks. Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, Kelly Greene, emphasized the ongoing threat due to saturated grounds and full rivers, which could lead to further flooding and landslides.
Residents are left questioning the absence of a comprehensive flood mitigation plan, despite being built to ‘flood standards.’ The uncertainties surrounding future flooding events raise concerns among the community.