'Water was up to my boots': N.S. residents look to recover after heavy rain, flash flood

Less than two weeks before the anniversary of last year’s deadly flash flooding in parts of Nova Scotia, a youth in Wolfville has been found dead after heavy rainfall and flash flooding.

The Emergency Management Office issued a flash flood alert for Digby, Annapolis, Kings and Hants counties around 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

"Heavy rain caused by thunderstorms passing through areas of the province are causing some localized flooding and washouts of roads," read the alert.

"Flash flooding has been reported. Residents are advised to listen to local forecasts and use caution if travelling."

Flooding at Frank and Dora’s restaurant in Cornwallis, N.S., is seen in this image posted to Facebook on July 11, 2024. (Source: Facebook/Frank and Dora’s)

According to Environment Canada, more than 100 mm of rain fell in just a few hours as remnants of what was Hurricane Beryl swept through Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley.

According to 511 Nova Scotia, several roads and highways across the province were closed due to collapsed culverts and flooding.

The chief of the Brooklyn volunteer fire department, Brett Tetanish, says some roads in the West Hants Regional Municipality -- where four people died last July -- were again submerged due to shoulders being washed out, while many people have flooded basements.

Tetanish said his crew also assisted the Hantsport volunteer fire department as they rescued three people whose home was cut off from the road due to floodwaters in Hants County.

According to the fire chief, the flooding was far less serious than last year, when over 250 mm of rain fell in just 24 hours on July 20 and 21.

Residents 'feel defeated'

West Hants Municipality Mayor Abraham Zebian said residents are "emotionally drained and feel defeated" in the wake of the flash flood.

"Repeated weather events, with the intensity we are constantly seeing, are taking its toll on individuals," he said in an email. "It was a long evening."

Zebian said many areas in the municipality suffered washed-out roads and "compromised shoulders." He said residents are focused on clean-up by pumping basements and removing damaged items.

"Municipal waste contractors have been notified they may see more items during collection," he said. "Special collections will be available to residents."

At a press conference Friday, Wolfville Mayor Wendy Donovan said the previous night was a difficult one for the community.

"Three weather events we've experienced in our community are beyond anything we’ve experienced before," she said.

Wolfville Mayor Wendy Donovan speaks to media. (Source: Jonathan MacInnis/CTV News Atlantic)

'Water was up to my boots'

Sonia Maccumber, a Kentville resident, was surprised at how fast the river levels rose.

"Water was up to my boots, over my boots, and trying to get out to my van and just going in grabbing, like, a bag and a pillow and, like, just quick things that you could think of to get out of there quick," she said.

Maccumber's home escaped harm, but the nearby Kentville Curling Club suffered significant damage that will require extensive repairs.

"Now the water...is all over the ice shed floor," said Karla Carter with the club. "It's in our lounge, the bathrooms, the change rooms, and also in the ice plant itself where the pumps and the stuff that keeps curling, curling."

Chad Davidson took steps to protect his farm in the Gaspereau Valley, but the river still flowed onto his property.

"We're still figuring it out as we clean up," he said.

Closures

In a post on Facebook, Frank and Dora's in Cornwallis announced it would be closed for the next few days as it cleans up after a culvert breach.

"Thanks to all who have already reached out and expressed your concern," the post reads. "We will update this page with a safe reopening date once we're able to get a handle on the scope of the damage."

The Clifton Museum Park in Windsor delayed its opening Friday as staff repaired flood damage. The house was built in 1835.

Businesses help out

In a Facebook post, Walkers Restaurant in Windsor said all emergency response teams and volunteers would eat for free on Friday.

"We’re sure you’ve been out all night keeping us all safe," the post reads. "So let us take care of you for a few minutes."

Click here to see a photo gallery on the flood.

With files from The Canadian Press and Hafsa Arif

For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.