As Flood Waters Rise So Does Support

According to the Australian historian Hedley Bull, the maintenance of order in social life depends on life itself, trust and property. The reconstruction of all social order must think of these three aspects. All three goals may be said to be as elementary as they are universal because any other goals presuppose the realization of these goals in some degree.

The Capital Region along the Ottawa River, Gatineau and several western Montreal suburbs and communities are still severely affected by flooding and under a state of emergency due to historic levels of rainfall. As of this writing, 443 buildings across the Ottawa River in Quebec have been evacuated and 794 people are currently without a home. In addition, numerous neighborhoods in Montreal and Laval have been evacuated. Schools closed, and different main access points were closed to prevent a worse tragedy. Thankfully, it is expected that this Wednesday the water level will finally begin to go down, but it will take a long time to reach normal levels.

The aid received so far has been very useful, but not sufficient. Ontario ordered 250,000 sandbags from a military reserve, more than 1,500 soldiers in the most affected areas, hundreds of volunteers were all filling sandbags all weekend trying to save homes. At the same time, helicopters, boats and specialized vehicles are delivering food supplies, and the basics to help those in need. For its part, the Quebec government is donating $500,000 to a special Red Cross fund.

Bull also states in "The Anarchical Society: A Study of Order in World Politics" that "all societies seek to ensure that life will be in some measure secure; that the promises, once made, will be kept; and that the possession of things will remain stable to some degree." Canada, unlike many other social systems,provides many means of stability for our population. Now, as with last year in Fort McMurray, we have to ensure trust in our institutions as well as each other. 

At this moment, the victims of this tragedy need shelter, hotels, clothing and food. However, the needs will vary as time goes on.

In Quebec alone 2,426 homes are flooded, 1,520 people have been evacuated, and 150 municipalities have been affected, approximately. Eastern Ontario is also affected by flooding and there, many people have forced to evacuate as well. Pregnant women, elderly people, children, pets and whole families have lost everything. Other people have refused to leave their homes because of the fear of uprooting, leaving work, or losing tge place where they want to spend their last years of life.

Do not forget, as well,  that much of the country is being affected by floods and spring rains. For instance, New Brunswick and British Columbia have announced missing people and material losses. This is the reason why the Red Cross has activated across Canada its local Red Cross volunteers who are responsible for providing information, registration and family reunification, first aid, and emotional well-being support.

If you want to help, the Canadian Red Cross has said that “the best way for Quebecers to help with flood relief is to donate to the special fund” by phone (1-800-418-1111), on the web, or at sites authorized such as Metro, Super C, Rona, Banque Nationale and Caisse Desjardins."