Calgarians are no strangers to flooding. The 2013 Alberta flood damaged much of Calgary and the surrounding area. Seventy-five thousand people were evacuated, the most in Calgary’s history. When the water receded, ASTRA Restorations was there to help rebuild. ASTRA Restorations is a water-damage restoration company, offering water-cleanup services and mould restoration.
There are many kinds of flooding. FEMA classifies floods as the following:
River flooding and urban flooding are especially of concern to Albertans.
River flooding occurs when a rising river spills over its banks. This flooding is usually the result of significant local precipitation in a short time, high previous water saturation in local soil, and local terrain around the river system. Canada has the additional factor of rapid snow melt, which is exacerbated by the above factors. For example, if the previous winter included above-average snowfall that melted quickly, the spring had higher-than-usual rainfall, and soil saturation from the previous fall was high, then spring flooding is likely. Erratic weather patterns produced by global climate change will only increase the likelihood of catastrophic flooding in the coming years.
Urban flooding is a natural flooding phenomenon that affects cities. The construction of impervious surfaces and alteration of natural terrain, including removal of wetlands and natural flood plains, have increased urban exposure to flood damages. Because of climate change and expanding global urban populations, urban flooding will worsen in the decades ahead. Because climate change manifests as increasingly erratic and severe weather, resulting in severe storms, rising sea levels, and altered precipitation patterns, flood events will become more frequent.
As a river city, Calgary is especially sensitive to flooding. Calgarians should be better prepared for flooding and its aftermath.
If your commercial property or home is affected by flood damage, contact ASTRA Restorations’ 24-hour emergency service. We’ll be there to limit further damage and to restore your water-damaged property back to its original condition.