Best Preparation by Province Mitigates Effect of Worst Floods in 40 Years

In early 2012, climatological and hydrological evidence suggested that the spring freshet, rainfall and thawing snowpacks could lead to destructive flooding with wide‐ranging consequences across B.C. Although tragic events did occur and some areas experienced the worst flooding seen in over 40 years, extensive, coordinated and successful preparedness, mitigation, response and early recovery efforts by the Province and its partners in emergency management minimized impacts to people and communities.

The Ministry of Justice and Emergency Management BC (EMBC) -- working closely with provincial and federal partners, local authorities and private industry -- coordinated preparedness activities based on the availability of flood risk information. Building on tools, processes and information gained from previous flood events, EMBC worked with partners to put timelines, resources, plans, technical expertise and agreements in place. Significant advances were made, highlighting the evolving complexity of emergency management and leading to numerous successes and improvements.