The Tragedy Unfolds in Nova Scotia’s Flooded Regions

Emergency teams combed through the ravaged lands of Nova Scotia, searching for four missing individuals who went missing in the wake of catastrophic flooding. The torrential rains, which began on July 21, left the southern Atlantic edge of the province in shambles, with rainfall totals reaching a staggering 20cm (7.87in). The deluge was the worst seen in the region since Hurricane Beth in 1971, according to CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon.

The search efforts, led by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), focused on a 40-hectare (100-acre) farm field in West Hants, where two vehicles submerged in floodwaters had been discovered. “It’s a heartbreaking day for our province,” said Premier Tim Houston, as the news of the missing individuals and the devastating floodwaters spread.

The search party made a grim discovery, finding the body of a 52-year-old man near West Hants. Additionally, human remains were found, although the RCMP did not reveal more information pending identification by the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner’s Office.

The region’s residents were left reeling as the scope of the disaster became apparent. Bridges, roads, buildings, homes, and a wastewater pumping station, just 20km (12 miles) from Halifax, were destroyed or severely damaged. The Halifax Water public utility reported that the wastewater system was no longer functioning, causing raw sewage to overflow into a nearby lake.

As the waters receded, the full extent of the damage became clear. West Hants Mayor Abraham Zebian, who personally knew the families of the missing individuals, struggled to contain his emotions as he surveyed the devastation. “There’s a semi-truck that was completely taken away, and you know how big a semi is, and how heavy those things are. It was completely carried off. A house near the field was washed off its foundation,” he recounted.

The good news, according to Zebian, was that some of those stranded in the floodwaters managed to escape to safety. “Thank God some of them managed to get to shore,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion.

As the community comes to terms with the tragedy, there is a realization that this extreme weather event is becoming the new norm. “I look at this and I think this could be, you know, the new norm,” said one resident. The province’s declaration of an emergency state and the efforts to drain the floodwaters are a testament to the severity of the situation.

As West Hants mayor Zebian urged residents to stay away from the search area to avoid hampering the rescue efforts, he acknowledged the outpouring of support from the community. “I know people want to help. Here in Hants county, people are quick to jump in front of a bullet for you – that’s how close this community is,” he said. “I love people wanting to help … Just, we need to let the experts do what they do best and keep everybody else safe right now.”