Several cleanup efforts are underway in Brooks after the massive storm hit the city. The powerful hailstorm that hit Calgary caused significant damage to the city, leaving several commercial and residential properties severely damaged.
After less than a year of wild weather, the city unexpectedly witnessed another massive storm that left many worried. A day that started warm and normal ended up being one of the most dreadful for residents in Calgary. The wind came in strong and quick, joined by a nasty hailstorm, leaving the residents with little chance to safeguard their properties.
Thankfully, there were no reported cases of human fatalities, though some residents were trapped in their vehicles, and they were eventually rescued. However, a farm in Calgary lost two animals due to the storms.
The damage to cars and houses was not as severe as that from the previous storm; however, some homes were severely affected.
What Are The Cleaning Efforts Being Carried Out?
City crews and residents have been working tirelessly to clean up the damage and carry out repairs. Most of the focus is on clearing fallen trees. Trees and gardens were the most affected, and some power lines and homes were also damaged.
The residents’ cleanup focus
The first step for most homeowners is to deal with insurance claims to cover the cost of the repairs.
- Clearing and cleaning up their properties
The storm badly affected the gardens and yards of most homes. Some properties faced severe damage, especially those with trees in the yards. The affected residents focused on clearing the downed trees and other things that the heavy wind must have swept in.
- Fixing damages in their homes and cars
Golf ball-sized hail raining down hard is bound to cause damage to some homes. Some homes are left with perforated siding, knocked-down fences, and damaged roofs. Some cars were also severely damaged and left with broken windscreens, shattered windows, and deep dents. This is where insurance claims come in handy, especially for those who have suffered severe damage.
Generally, the damage to homes and cars was not so much, but a few of them had it rough. As the major cleanup continues after the storm, homeowners are focused on keeping their homes in their original state. Some homes experienced major dents caused by the hailstorm and will likely require repair and repainting. Painting a home has a way of restoring its beauty, making it a better option in this case. For that kind of work, I turn to trusted professionals; these are the painters in Calgary I used whenever I need my home restored to its best condition.
The city’s cleanup focus
Calgary has a budget for stormwater maintenance that is being used to cover costs for the ongoing cleanup. The city crew is focused on addressing issues like:
- Clearing downed trees in public areas
Most of the city’s trees were severely affected, especially in the public parks. One of the most affected public parks is Confederation Park. In addition to the downed trees, the park was also flooded.
- Fixing power lines
The storm in Calgary was so massive that it broke metal power lines into two. Some power lines were severely damaged by the storm, and because exposed electricity can be dangerous, fixing them was a top priority for the city crew. Aside from the dangers of exposed electricity on the floor in a flooded area, power outages are also a significant risk, especially if hospitals are affected.
- Managing flooding
Some areas were sadly flooded, with vehicles fully submerged. One of the severe cases was the report of a car fully submerged by the flood in Confederation Park. Fortunately, no one was in it. The city crews, including the fire department, took up the task of managing the flood situation and helping out stuck residents.
- Repairing damaged infrastructure
Aside from the damaged power lines, some infrastructures were also damaged, and as expected, those in charge of the situation went to work. One of the damaged infrastructures is the Calgary airport. The airport was affected by severe water damage in the domestic terminal. B gates and some C gates had to be closed due to the damage. Other public infrastructures were also severely damaged and are currently undergoing repairs.
Final Discussion
The cleanup after the massive storm in Calgary, carried out by the city crew and residents, hasn’t been easy due to the level of damage and cost of repairs. Based on the current cost of things, one can’t help but wonder how the affected residents, especially those without insurance, will cope.
The dangerous hailstorm that hit the city caused significant damage. However, with all hands on deck, the ongoing cleanup and repairs are aiming to restore the city to normal soon.
