The pineapple express that caused flooding throughout the Alberni Valley is dissipating, and weather is returning to normal.
Tseshaht families forced from their homes on the weekend have returned, and sandbagging operations have been suspended.
Emergency Operations Coordinator and Tseshaht council member Hugh Braker says the biggest danger to properties is the release of logs, docks and debris after the Sproat Lake sweep broke on Saturday.
He said some docks have been damaged along River Road and they’re advising people to remove their boats from the river.
He said freezing levels are back to normal which should help reduce flood levels, although 60 millimetres of rain are forecast over the next 36 hours.
Courtenay – Alberni MP Gord Johns says he’s been pressuring the Federal Government for flood mitigation funds, but the requests have fallen on deaf ears.
He said 19% of Canadian households are in danger of flooding related to the effects of climate change and rising water levels, and yet flood insurance to protect a families biggest investment, has become increasingly hard to get.
Johns said a Somass River management plan proposed by West Coast Aquatic that addresses flooding problems and fisheries management issues caused by climate change would cost $7 million over 5 years, but meanwhile the parliamentary budget officer has said the costs of storms, hurricanes and floods related to climate change will soon cost Ottawa $900 million a year.