Lower Mainland residents still reeling one year since atmospheric river

One year after a catastrophic atmospheric river inundated British Columbia, residents like Adam Swain and Ali Mirzaei are still grappling with the consequences. Swain continues to remove debris from his flooded basement, while Mirzaei is suing the city of Port Coquitlam for mismanagement of a nearby culvert that contributed to the flooding. The Insurance Bureau of Canada reports that the storm resulted in $110 million in insured damages, but many victims express feelings of hopelessness regarding their recovery. Local officials assert they are planning upgrades to anti-flooding infrastructure, but residents like Swain remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures. Mirzaei, who lost his home shortly after moving in, highlighted the inadequate financial assistance he received, including a mere $6 from the BC Disaster Financial Assistance program.

As heavy rain approaches, locals are anxious about the potential for another disaster. The community remains united in their efforts to recover, but the emotional and financial toll of the flooding weighs heavily on them. The ongoing struggle underscores the need for more robust flood management solutions.