Record rainfall in British Columbia has flooded communities and washed away roads in what experts say is part of an increasingly costly trend that both homeowners and renters need to better prepare for.
"Effectively what we’re seeing in B.C. is another manifestation of climate change in action," said Blair Feltmate, WI member and head of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation.
"Going forward, precipitation events are going to be more extreme in nature — and by association, more costly.”
Flood damage is already by far the most expensive type of extreme weather risk facing Canadians, particularly basement flooding which costs on average $43,000 to repair.
To avoid costly damage, Feltmate said people should try to better understand the risks, consider specific insurance coverage, and take measures to protect their homes from potential flooding.
While those living close to water are generally at higher risk, he said it's something everyone should be aware of because increasingly intense rainfall can create problems far from where it's expected.
“Someone should not think that just because they're not close to standing or running water or on a floodplain that they’re free of risk. They’re not.”
To better understand the risks to a home, Feltmate suggests checking in with a local conservation authority to access the most updated flood risk maps.
The record rainfalls in B.C. has forced Merritt and Abbotsford to issue evacuation notices, while several other cities like Princeton and Chilliwack have also seen flooding, and landslides have shut down major highways.
Environment Canada said 20 rainfall records were set Sunday as an "atmospheric river" rolled across southern B.C., including to 174 millimetres of rain in one day in Hope.
It's far too early to estimate costs, but Sutherland said the financial toll is likely to be extensive.
Whether someone has coverage or not, Feltmate said it's important to prepare a home by taking measures such as checking the sump pump works and installing backup power for it, putting plastic covers over window wells, and making sure the grading of the home directs water away from the building.
But much like measures at the community level, where berms, collection ponds, land restrictions and permeable surfaces could significantly reduce risks, he said people aren't doing enough yet to prepare.
“The problem is we’re not operationalizing these measures quickly enough...it's a lack of a sense of urgency to need to act."
This
report
by
The
Canadian
Press
was
first
published
Nov.
16,
2021.
Read
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