Two Canadian Red Cross personal disaster assistance teams are working in Olds to help 40 adults and 24 children who were affected by flooding on Friday.
Eighteen families were evacuated from their homes in Braeburn Estates, on the south side of Olds, when rapid snow melting caused a nearby pond to go over its banks.
A cleanup effort is under way and the families should be able to return to their homes in the next 48 hours.
The Red Cross and the Town of Olds Disaster Social Services Department (the lead organization responding to the crisis) are providing the temporarily homeless individuals with shelter, clothing, hygiene kits, baby needs, blankets, and teddy bears.
They are also providing referrals to other aid agencies that will assist with their long-term needs.
More than 200 Canadian Red Cross workers and volunteers have been mobilized to help about 5,000 Canadians affected by recent flooding across the Prairies.
“Canadian Red Cross staff and volunteers in Saskatchewan and Alberta are ensuring that these basic needs are met and are providing comfort to evacuated families during a very difficult time,” said Ange Sawh, the director of disaster management for the Canadian Red Cross in Western Canada.
The Canadian Red Cross also released a statement that said the Olds families affected by flooding will need five nights accommodation and basic services.
The average cost of a Canadian Red Cross Personal Disaster response (which provides food, shelter, clothing and additional services for 72 hours) to a family of four is $2,000.
To donate to this locally funded program, call 1-800-418-1111 or visit redcross.ca.