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FLOOD

OVERVIEW

Flooding occurs when water covers land that is normally dry, and can develop gradually over several days or occur with little warning. In British Columbia, flooding is commonly caused by heavy rain, rapid snowmelt, rising rivers, storm surges, or blocked drainage systems.

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British Columbia has felt the impact of major flooding in recent years. In November 2021, a series of atmospheric rivers brought record rainfall to the Fraser Valley, displacing up to 20,000 residents and causing five deaths, and washing out roads and highways connecting the Lower Mainland to the Interior. It became the most expensive weather disaster in BC's history.

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For many First Nations communities located near rivers, lakes, or coastal areas, flooding is one of the most frequent natural hazards. Floodwaters can damage homes, roads, and community infrastructure, wash out access routes, contaminate drinking water, and disrupt access to essential services. Flooding also affects hunting, fishing, trapping, and harvesting areas, and can damage culturally significant sites, archaeological resources, and sacred places.​

Image by Wes Warren

EARLY AWARENESS 

Flooding events are difficult to predict as they are influenced by multiple environmental factors and fast-changing weather patterns. Consistent monitoring of key indicators allows communities to identify rising risks early and take action before conditions become dangerous.

KEY INDICATORS

Cooling centers or spaces are one of the most important community-level tools during an extreme heat event. These do not need to be dedicated facilities, and can be spaces like band offices, health centres, community halls.

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An indicator is a factor that provides a reliable, simple, and direct means to measure changes or outcomes.

MAJOR INDICATORS

  • Atmospheric river

  • Freshet

  • King tide

  • Storm surge

SUPPORTING SIGNS

  • Increased precipitation

  • Increased snowpack

  • Strong winds

  • Full moon

  • Prolonged higher than average spring temps.

There is no set threshold to exceed that will directly indicate flooding. These signs should be assessed in comparison to what is considered normal for that time of year in the region or community, and compared to the community's flood infrastructure to determine its adequacy in controlling or sequestering flood waters.

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There are many resources to monitor current flood conditions, with information provided in the Binder.

PREPAREDNESS

Communities should identify their potential flood barrier needs before flood season begins, including what types of barriers are appropriate for their terrain, how many are needed at each trigger level, and where they can be sourced.

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Community-specific flood barrier reports developed by Ebbwater Consulting can include maps of proposed barrier locations and quantities based on modelled flood extents and community observations. FNESS and EMCR can also assist with sourcing barriers when needed.

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For detailed information on flood barrier types, sourcing, and community-specific recommendations, refer to the EPS Flood Binder.

RESPONSE

Image by Wes Warren

The appropriate flood response depends on the scale and location of the flooding. For localized issues affecting individual households, pumps may be sufficient to manage water intrusion. Pumps portable pumps can be used to remove water from flooded structures or low-lying areas. Pumps, generators, and fans may be sourced through a Resource Request to EMCR.

 

For larger events affecting significant portions of the community, temporary flood barriers will likely be required.​​

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Options for temporary barriers can include:

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Sandbags

  • Effective for smaller-scale protection around individual structures. Communities can submit a Resource Request to EMCR to request sandbag supplies, sand, and equipment support such as diggers and excavators.

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Tiger Dams 

  • Water-filled barrier tubes used for larger-scale flood protection along roads, buildings, or community perimeters. Tiger Dams can be sourced through FNESS and EMCR. 

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AquaFence

  • Reusable and durable fences that can perform perimeter protection, water diversion, and integrated protection.​​

EMCR Task Number

Communities experiencing emergencies may be eligible to obtain an Emergency Management and Climate Readiness task number through the Southwest Region EMCR.

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A task number will enable your community to be compensated for resources spent on response. 

Evacuation

Evacuations due to flooding is a likely scenario, and putting plans in place can help ensure a timely and smooth response.

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For information about evacuations, please visit our Evacuations page.

HOW WE CAN HELP

We support 31 communities, from Yale to Semiahmoo to Squamish, in improving emergency planning and preparedness at the local and regional levels. 

 

In an emergency, we can:

  • Provide surge support to administration and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

  • Assist with the coordination of resources to communities.

  • Facilitate coordination communication with affected community members and partners.

 

Before an emergency, we can:

  • Assist with project engagement for emergency-related projects.

  • Coordinate discussions and collaborative efforts between communities, governments and other agencies.

  • Assist in communications and information management for  contracts, projects and initiatives throughout the regional levels.

  • Assist in developing community emergency plans and preparedness toolkits for application during emergency situations.

 

Our vision is to have all of the 31 Mainland Coast Salish First Nations, from Yale to Squamish to Semiahmoo, resilient to existing and future disasters.

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