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talktodiana

~ Igniting the power and passion in others…

talktodiana

Tag Archives: news

Southern Alberta Flood 2013 Update

22 Saturday Jun 2013

Posted by dianasschwenk in My Stories

≈ 40 Comments

Tags

Calgary, Helen Keller, news, Southern Alberta Floods 2013

I am teary-eyed today. I think the shock and disbelief has worn off. I have been blown away by those coming in from the outside to help. Oh how my faith in humanity is affirmed and well-placed by the response from others to this devastating flood that is devouring Southern Alberta. Below some unconfirmed stats.

  • 2500 troops have been deployed to many areas to do whatever is needed to help communities affected by the flooding.
  • 300 Reservists are on standby in Calgary
  • 100 Edmonton police have come here to help.
  • dozens of leisure centres and Legions have opened their doors to provide shelter and food to displaced citizens.
  • The City of Calgary’s Mayor, Aldermen, first responders, health providers, social agencies are working long hours alongside hundreds, if not thousands of volunteers.
  • Visits and assurances of financial assistance when we start to rebuild have come from our Premier and Prime Minister.

I am so proud of you Calgary! A city that was built on the backs of ranchers and entrepreneurs. A city that does not lay down in defeat. A city that boldly claims that its internationally attended Calgary Stampede (due to take place in a few weeks) will not be postponed even though the Stampede grounds are under water and the Saddledome is flooded to the 10th row of seats!

If anyone can pull it off, Calgary – you can!

On a personal note, I am one of the lucky ones who has not been evacuated, although my neighbourhood is within blocks of evacuated communities. Calgary’s downtown core is shut down with no power and many streets are still under water. It’s like a ghost town, quiet and eerie. It is so sad. It is so unbelievable. And yet I’m reminded of a quote that speaks to the truth and hope within humanity:

“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” -Helen Keller

My thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who have lost so much. Below are some pictures that were floating around on my facebook homepage and come from an album that was shared by AMP Radio.

Southern Alberta Floods 2013

21 Friday Jun 2013

Posted by dianasschwenk in Uncategorized

≈ 47 Comments

Tags

Diana Schwenk, news, Southern Alberta Floods 2013

Macleod Trail and 17th Ave SW

Macleod Trail and 17th Ave SW

Wow! This is 12 to 15 blocks from my place! My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected here in Calgary and surrounding communities. My neighbourhood is fine right now and I’m thankful for all those who have been asking about me. I want to say a big thank you to the City of Calgary – they are working their tails off. Last night I took a walk up to the 4th street bridge on Elbow Drive. I understand that the barriers they were building did not withstand the rising waters. The mayor is asking people to stay home and out of the downtown so the city can do their job. Please heed this advice.

The above is my facebook status this morning.

Southern Alberta Flooding 2013.

Calgary and surrounding communities are experiencing flooding that exceeds the flood of 2005. The  TransCanada Highway is closed between Canmore and Banff and Canmore’s Cougar’s Creek has become a raging river. High River south of Calgary is completely under water. Other surrounding areas are also affected with devastating floods.

In Calgary, many of the communities around my neighbourhood have been put under mandatory evacuation. So far my community is still fine. The largest homeless shelter in Canada is being evacuated as I write. A thousand Drop In residents are walking over the bridge to the Bridgeland community.

I am in shock at the devastation in my city and surrounding areas. Out my window I hear helicopters and sirens continually. It feels like a Stephen King movie. It is so surreal. I am including a link to a compilation of videos taken across southern Alberta below.  Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=ptpPrzHg4qk&desktop_uri=/watch?v=ptpPrzHg4qk

Talk to Diana


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