Not likely!
The media is around when they can get sensational pictures of billowing clouds of smoke and flames licking through the trees. Well, there are no big fires so the media has gone on in search of some other sensational story.
But Fort McMurray is still there and it's still a serious story.
A few days ago the wind changed and the temperature dropped so the fire died down and travelled away for mcMurray. There are still hot spots which can become very dangerous again.
So people are going back home? Not so fast. There's lots that has to be done before 90000 people go tearing home. Infrastructure has to be checked to see if it's working. So checks on electricity, gas, water , sewer and other services have to be made. Basic stock in all businesses has to be filled. There's no gas in the whole city.A grand plan has to be made before people can return home. It's not going to happen anytime soon.
Today adults were issued debit cards for $1250 each and $500 for each child. The Red Cross is issuing $500 per person. The Red Cross has raised $67 000 000. After seven days some basics have to be purchased like clothing.
People will be going back but not right away. Their kids are being enrolled in schools. 11000 kids were enrolled in Ft McMurray schools when they evacuated. Many of those kids will remain in their new schools until the end of the year.
Now 85 - 90% of the city was saved. Over 2000 buildings were destroyed. That puts many people in a difficult situation. Those who lost houses will have some difficult decisions to make. I think in the short term temporary housing will be brought in and construction camps will be used.
So there's no hot news but the real tough story is still there and will go on for years. Estimates of three years for rebuilding are being suggested. Estimated damage is nine billion dollars.
This is a photo from CBC
Mind boggling what those folks will have to deal with before they can move home. Such a monumental and overwhelming task. Catastrophic!
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot of stuff to clean up and other stuff to restart.
DeleteThanks for sharing the information. You are right we don't hear anything anymore, only that the fires have been contained. It is a huge operation to get everything to normal again.
ReplyDeleteFor most of it it will start up easily. for the stuff that burned it will take a few years.
DeleteIt's certainly been in the news here. People talking about the next steps, calling for donations. So much work to do. I've been following the wonderful stories about good people doing good things for one another!
ReplyDeleteIt's really been in the news here.
DeleteThe media always moved on to the next disaster before the last one is finished. I am glad the weather has helped with the situation there. Thanks for the real update, Red.
ReplyDeleteI heard today that it's at least ten days before some people can go back.
DeleteWhat a mess. I can't imagine what it would be like to live through something like that. (Hope I never have to!)
ReplyDeleteMess is a good word for the situation.
DeleteThis has been a terrible tragedy, but at least I haven't heard about people being killed.
ReplyDeleteThere was one death due to a highway crash as they were driving out.
DeleteIt's a big logistical challenge to be faced.
ReplyDeleteIt's logistics and extremely large.
DeleteAmerican media has been very quiet about this one
ReplyDeleteToo much Trump and election at your place.
DeleteThe smoke made it here , so people should be aware of the tragedy
ReplyDeleteSo far we're lucky and haven't had any smoke.
DeleteA lot of things to think about before those people can go home. I had no idea it was so complicated. Many stories there the media could hear if they wanted to broadcast this part of the crisis.
ReplyDeleteYes, there are many ordinary stories about people working hard to put things back together.
DeleteHi Red, Thanks for the update and keeping the attention where it is needed. It is hard for me to wrap my mind around all the planning and work that needs to happen before folks can return home. As a teacher I am wondering how this will affect the students. Yes, there are many more important and pressing concerns, but just think about those High School Seniors ... what will happen to their graduation? Thanks again for the update.
ReplyDeleteArrangements and accommodations will be made. Grads will likely happen in July like it happened in the 2013 flood.
DeleteI can certainly understand people wanting to go home but I hope they are being careful.
ReplyDeleteLiving in a hotel soon becomes a pain. there's nothing like home.
ReplyDeleteIt was the same with the flood of 1997, when the press was gone, we were still surrounded by water. I got a bucket and a mop from the Red Cross and a gallon of water. I am not fond of the Red Cross but it sounds like they are doing something for the residents affected by the fire. I hope they get the fire put out totally soon. Keep us informed Red!
ReplyDeleteThe REd Cross has raised 67 million. Today each resident got $500 . they are giving cash instead of stuff.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Red. this is the story we need to hear about.
ReplyDeleteit is painful situation but still glad that there is no one got hurt with such huge damage ,sending best wishes from Asia Pakistan "s small city may all go fine with people who suffered with it god bless you
ReplyDeleteyou're very right. the tragedy will linger for many for a long time.
ReplyDeleteAgreed that the media is usually only interested in the next big headline grabber. I Would rather hear more follow-up in the aftermath of catastrophic events like Fort McMurray than what political candidate is belittling another.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. Another Canadian blogger I follow has written a bit about this but this is the first time I've seen these numbers. It sounds as if your government and others are handling things well...please keep writing about how this is going. Your perspective is appreciated.
ReplyDeleteYou're right that media goes for the flashy type stories and once the visuals are gone, they tend to turn to something else... probably more Trump. I'm so sorry for all those poor people. It's truly tragic.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update. As you say the situation has disappeared from the British stage now. Sensationalism is what rules news unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to see people helping one another. I think the message is that not a life was lost in the fires, people were taken care of and all was unfolding as it should and would. Poor Trudeau can't do right, though!
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