Duncan flood victims to get provincial relief cash
Last Updated: Monday, November 23, 2009 | 8:56 AM PT
CBC News
Debris littered the streets on south Vancouver Island after flood water receded. (CBC)Residents of Duncan and North Cowichan will soon be getting some emergency cash after heavy rains, melting snow and a high tide caused two local rivers to overflow their banks on Friday, forcing the evacuation of approximately 300 homes.
The waters, which swelled to one metre deep in some areas of the southeastern Vancouver Island community, receded over the weekend, leaving many homes badly damaged and their owners facing large repair bills.
The provincial government has approved disaster funding to help homeowners pay for expensive repairs linked to the flooding. The program covers up to 80 per cent of claims from $1,000 to $300,000.
Jim Price, the senior regional manager for Vancouver Island with the government's Provincial Emergency Program said there was a community meeting on Sunday where people began submitting applications for disaster relief.
"Individuals do not have to pay first before they receive disaster financial assistance," he said.
"Our evaluators will be contacting the individuals, doing assessments, processing those and we hope to get people with some cheques within 30 days," said Price.
Residents can also call 1-888-257-4777 to submit applications for disaster relief funding.
One school still not open
Meanwhile classes resumed Monday morning for students at Quamichan Middle School in Duncan, but youngsters at a neighbouring Alexander Elementary School aren't back in class yet.
That school is deeper into the flood plain and is still too soggy to be safe said district officials, who will meet with Alexander school staff, parent representatives and health officials on Monday to consider their options.
Meanwhile, there is more rain in the forecast for the area, but the flooding isn't expected to return.
