Across parts of Vancouver Island, homeowners are still cleaning up from this weekend’s flood.
Water from the overflowing Nanaimo River forced the evacuation of over 20 homes.
Most people have been able to return to their homes and power has been restored to the majority but some are still waiting.
Cedar resident Alan McPhee was among those cleaning up Tuesday.
Many things need a spray down or a scrape to remove all the mud.
A tow truck took away his car so mechanics can determine if it can be brought back to life.
On Monday night, McPhee was among those who got their power back on.
“It was terrific because at that point the temperature was about the same as it was outside, about two or three degrees,” McPhee said.
The lights are also on again for James Wheeler. The double-amputee was bitterly cold until power was restored.
“It’s incredible. Absolutely incredible,” Wheeler said.
A rainstorm Friday combined with a high tide Saturday morning for a flood not seen here since at least 2007. Firefighters and search and rescue helped evacuate 21 homes.
Most have returned home but the Regional District of Nanaimo says two trailers are now uninhabitable.
But some are still waiting for an electrical inspection which is required before BC Hydro will reconnect the power. It’s a frustrating situation for one neighbour who’s meter was not covered by water.
“We’re above ground power. We have no in-ground power so there’s nothing under the house to short out or get wet or anything,” said Jeff Wisemiller.
And last night Wisemiller says his water line froze while waiting for an electrician.
“It’s going to cost me 120 bucks for an electrician another $140 for the plumber not to mention the fact that there’s been no power for the fridges or the freezers.”
The RDN says if other homes have flooded they’d like a report and the government may cover losses.
READ MORE: Financial assistance available for British Columbians affected by flooding, government says
“One of the things the province just released today is that there’s a disaster financial assistance program so that is available,” said Daniel Pearce, the RDN’s General Manager of Transportation and Emergency Services.
Information about the program is available online.
Kendall Hanson
