Red Cross still helping Alberta victims nearly two years after massive flood

CALGARY – The Canadian Red Cross says it’s still busy helping those affected by the flood in southern Alberta nearly two years ago.

It released a progress report Wednesday on the work done so far across the region.

Provincial director Jenn McManus said there’s no one challenge that sticks out in her mind as most prevalent with their clients.

She says the Red Cross has spent $36.2 million of the $43.3 million raised, helping approximately 7,700 families.

McManus says there are some families that still need affordable, safe shelter, and there are many who still have high levels of emotional stress.

Related: A look at 2013 flooding in southern Alberta by the numbers

Flooding in June 2013 in Calgary and southern Alberta caused more than $5 billion in damage and has been called Canada’s costliest disaster.

Four people died, nearly 75,000 were evacuated in Calgary and the entire town of High River was also forced out of their homes.

Related: Alberta floods ‘most costly event’ for Lloyd’s market in 2013

“There’s emotional supports, we’re still making referrals for clinical emotional supports to families and individuals, we’re being asked to assist with mortgage and financial realities that are unfolding still, we’re helping individuals and families navigate DRP and their insurance scenarios,” McManus said.

She also said there’s no one region where these problems exist, rather they span from downtown Calgary and High River to First Nations and Bow Valley communities.