Alberta floods 2013

[Kat Stevens]

That was sort of my point.

 

[Armymedic]

I am completely disgusted by comments on CBC, the G&M and to a lesser degree, the National Post.

Half think Calgary deserve it, and only slightly less blame the flooding on PM Harper and/or "tar sands" caused climate change.

Are Canadians really that retarded.

Rhetorical, because I know some are.

 

[Eye In The Sky]

Are Canadians really that retarded.

 

[JorgSlice]

After been rescued this morning, went home ate and got in a 3hr nap and back out to assist. Not even 20min into shift and watch a  guy do a front flip into flood waters off of a small grassy berm.

 

[daftandbarmy]

After been rescued this morning, went home ate and got in a 3hr nap and back out to assist. Not even 20min into shift and watch a  guy do a front flip into flood waters off of a small grassy berm.

Let me guess... before he did that he said 'hold my beer and watch this' ;D

Well done you lot. Give 'er 'Berta. Middle digit to the rain Gods! 

 

[JesseWZ]

Myself and partner Rescued this morning via Helicopter from a Fire Watch Tower. Patrol Car swept out by the water just outside Banff/Canmore overnight.

Hope you didn't sign for it

 

[JorgSlice]

Let me guess... before he did that he said 'hold my beer and watch this' ;D

Well done you lot. Give 'er 'Berta. Middle digit to the rain Gods! 

I would have been less irrate if he did! Hahaha!

Hope you didn't sign for it

If I say no...?  ;D

Thank you for the support everyone. The newscasts truly don't do this justice. To see personal memorabilia floating down streets... Really hits home.

 

[George Wallace]

I am completely disgusted by comments on CBC, the G&M and to a lesser degree, the National Post.

Half think Calgary deserve it, and only slightly less blame the flooding on PM Harper and/or "tar sands" caused climate change.

Are Canadians really that retarded.

Rhetorical, because I know some are.

I think it a good indication to declare it cause and effect of the Dunning-Kruger Effect.

 

[The Bread Guy]

1)  PM dropping by ....

Prime Minister Stephen Harper traveled to Calgary today to see first-hand the impact of the floods that are affecting communities across Southern and Central Alberta. He was accompanied by Alison Redford, Premier of Alberta, and Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary .... The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are supporting the flood operations with approximately 1,300 troops, eight helicopters, a military airplane, trucks and other vehicles to assist with evacuation, search and rescue and logistical efforts. Local RCMP detachments have also been providing support to those affected by the flooding.  The Prime Minister also announced that the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) is available to provide financial support to the Province of Alberta for eligible costs. The DFAA is a financial mechanism through which the Government of Canada helps provincial and territorial governments respond and recover from natural disasters ....

2) .... and the CF op now has a name (highlights mine):

.... Canadian Armed Forces personnel and aircraft have already deployed to facilities in Southern Alberta. Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft and crews have deployed to airfields throughout the province and have already assisted civilian authorities in search and rescue and evacuation efforts, including the rescuing of 31 people during the initial evacuation .... Imagery of Operation Lentus can be found at: www.combatcamera.ca/OPLENTUS

As of this post, no pics yet at the Combat Camera site.

 

[OldSolduer]

Just received the Wng O from 38 CBG. No Move just yet.

 

[OldTanker]

its interesting to note that the City of Calgary has one of the best, and well-funded, emergency preparedness programs of any municipality in Canada. They have excellent staff, an new, modern Emergency Operations Centre and cutting-edge emergency management software tools. I don't know what the postmortem will reveal about their preparedness but I do know their focus has been on flooding for many years. Its difficult to see what more they could have done, if anything, to prepare for flood of this magnitude, but I suppose we'll find out. The main lesson at this stage is you can't beat Mother Nature.

 

[mariomike]

its interesting to note that the City of Calgary has one of the best, and well-funded, emergency preparedness programs of any municipality in Canada.

I imagine Canada Task Force 2 (CAN-TF2) is busy.
http://www.cantf2.com/positions/medical_specialist.aspx

But, "well-funded" for how long? Story in the Calgary Herald, only two days ago, about CAN-TF1, based out of Vancouver:  “The final funding to the HUSAR team ended as of April 2013”

Strathcona: Elite first responders lose funding
http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Strathcona+Elite+first+responders+lose+funding/8555502/story.html

"Similar teams in cities across the country also had their budgets slashed."

 

[Kirkhill]

Transited from Edmonton to Lethbridge yesterday afternoon.  Numerous packets of vehicles headed south: everything from what looked like a Cougar MRAP in desert cam, through multiple Bisons, to an aging Deuce carrying propane tanks that had enough rust on it to convince me it must have been a Korean war vet.

Had to head east as far as the Blackfoot Crossing at Cluny to find an open bridge over the Bow (adds about an hour to the trip - Gleichen and Carseland were flooded out and wanted to stay well away from Calgary).  Blackfoot Crossing had about a foot to spare when we crossed at 21:00 and closed at about 21:30.

South of the Bow roads and crossings were all in good condition.

Passed a packet of gunners from Lethbridge heading north  at Vulcan in brand new MSVSs and led by an LSVW in very good condition (new paint).

WRT the bridging requirements.  The bridges are not down.  They are underwater in some cases.  In other cases the risk is debris in fast water and the approaches being submerged.  Our prairie rivers are narrow winding animals in deep valleys with flood plains a mile or two wide.  It is those flood plains that are now completely inundated and flowing fast with all the debris that previous floods parked above high water marks.

Experts will know better than me but I don't see a role for AVLBs - the spans required are, I believe, just too great.  Perhaps, once the crests have passed and the debris flow has slowed, there might be  useful role for pontoons and combat boats.

But I'm just guessing....

 

[Jed]

You crack me up,TV  ;D

 

[OldSolduer]

Just received the Wng O from 38 CBG. No Move just yet.

We are not auth to move, only to see how many troops we can muster if need be. Due to summer tasks and training, our numbers are low.

 

[GAP]

We are not auth to move, only to see how many troops we can muster if need be. Due to summer tasks and training, our numbers are low.

May not need you in Alberta, but I'll bet there's gonna be some communities along the South Sask River basin and into the Saskatchewan river confluence that will be hit hard once all that water reaches them...

 

[Kirkhill]

May not need you in Alberta, but I'll bet there's gonna be some communities along the South Sask River basin and into the Saskatchewan river confluence that will be hit hard once all that water reaches them...

Starting between Empress and Leader.....

It'll be interesting to see the effect on Lake Diefenbaker.

 

[SeaKingTacco]

If Sask Water Authority is smart, they should be spilling the Reservoir to make room.

 

[Armymedic]

My brother's in Outlook, have to tell him to take a look.

 

[Armymedic]

I imagine Canada Task Force 2 (CAN-TF2) is busy.
http://www.cantf2.com/positions/medical_specialist.aspx

Sounds like good work for our special forces Med Techs after the CF.