Remnants of recent flooding in St. Catharines, Ontario, are visible along the city’s streets.
Households have placed couches, mattresses, and drywall outside their homes as a result of the aftermath of successive major storms within a short timeframe.
“We experienced three significant storm events,” stated Mayor Mat Siscoe on Tuesday. “These were the largest storm events the city has ever faced in quick succession over an 11- to 12-day period.”
Siscoe explained that while the initial storm was managed well by the stormwater system, subsequent storms overwhelmed the saturated ground, causing overland flooding and sewer backups into homes.
“In many instances, sewage was entering the homes,” noted Siscoe.
‘They’re back under water again’
Farmer Dave White, who operates White Orchard Farms near St. David’s, faced challenges as his fields were submerged during the recent storms. Fortunately, he had harvested his garlic just before the floods, preventing crop loss.
White took proactive measures based on past experiences to mitigate potential damage, such as ensuring clean ditches and creating trenches in fields to manage excess water flow.
Grape growers in Niagara are scrambling to save their crops after two extreme rainstorms flooded thousands of homes and businesses in the region in just a few days.
Aside from farming, White also operates a restoration company and has been inundated with calls from homeowners seeking assistance with flooded properties.
He expressed frustration at revisiting properties he had previously restored, now submerged once again.
In some instances, homes were just cleaned up before being hit by another storm, leaving residents in distress.
“People are reaching out for help and are desperate to rebuild,” White shared.
