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Visiting volunteers to help with residual organics clean up
As many residents of the Columbia Valley continue to dig out from under a pile of debris and destruction following the August 23 windstorm, a group of volunteers will soon be arriving in the valley to offer a hand to those who need it.
“We have been reaching out to every agency we can to seek support for residents who experienced widescale damage following the recent wind event,” explained Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Information Officer Loree Duczek.
“While we continue to work to have the event deemed eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance, we know there are still residents who need help dealing with organic debris and trees. We are so grateful to Christian Aid Ministries who will have a Rapid Response Team arriving in the Columbia Valley later this week to begin helping where they can.”
The Christian Aid Ministries team will have well-trained crews with chainsaws and will assist with removal of downed trees, branches and organic debris and chipping. They are not able to do tree falling, but will be able to help clean up fallen trees and debris.
“For example, we’ve heard from many people whose insurance company came and fell trees that were leaning on their homes or structures, but then left the trees laying in their yards,” explained Duczek. “The team’s priority will be vulnerable individuals requiring assistance or who do not have access to equipment to clean up their yards; however are willing to try to help all those who need a hand.”
While the team is set to arrive in the valley on September 5, residents can reach out in advance to put their names on the list by calling 1-800-683-0697 (extension 2 or 0) or emailing [email protected].
“This is a volunteer charitable organization and we are deeply grateful for their support and willingness to help residents,” added Duczek.
Meantime, work continues to have the event deemed eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA).
“We received over 275 damage report forms from residents with varying levels of damage following the storm,” said Duczek. “That data is now being compiled and we will be submitting our formal application to the province later this week. If DFA is approved by the province, more details on what that looks like, who could apply and what might be covered would be provided at that time.”
The windstorm blew through the East Kootenay the evening of Friday, August 23. Temperatures dropped by more than 10 degrees in an hour and wind gusts of 86 km/h and over 100 km/h were reported as a strong low-pressure system moved through the region.
While other parts of the East Kootenay were hit with hail, rain and strong winds, the Columbia Valley experienced the most widespread damage.
Submitted
