Editorial

With much of the water now subsided from June's destructive flood, area residents who saw much, if not all, of their properties and possessions being washed away, are now in the process of cleaning, rebuilding, repairing, and replacing.

In the early days following the disaster, the residents were left with a mountain of uncertainty; not knowing how they would be able to rebuild their homes or if they even wanted to, not knowing to what extent the provincial and federal governments would help, and in some cases. Not knowing where they could even go for any kin d of assistance.

As the donations of household items and cash began pouring in, the people who needed the help the most were left waiting for word on what kind of financial assistance would be made available so they could start the grueling task of cleaning up the sludge and ripping out the contaminated interiors of their homes.

It was when Alberta premier, Ed Stelmach, Cypress/Medicine Hat MLA Len MItzel, Agriculture Minister, Jack Hayden, and other dignitaries visited the region and talked to some of those hardest hit and made the announcement that funding would be coming quickly that these people were able to put at least one of their worries to rest.

The most extensive disaster relief program ever seen in this province is appropriate for one of the worst disasters ever seen in southern Alberta. The amount of money each individual receives may or may not be enough to cover their entire losses, but it will most certainly help them in rebuilding their homes, farms, and lives. They will now have the money to get started on the work that needs to be done.

Even more than the money however, the people who have suffered so much loss needed to know that their government cared. They needed to hear it and needed to have the assurance that everything possible was being done to help them. The visit on July 11 by Stelmach, Mitzel and Hayden gave them that. What may have been considered a trivial gesture by some meant the world to others. The visit showed the people that the province was hearing their cries for help and was going to take immediate action. For some who thought Stelmach himself should have made an immediate statement in the days following the flood, the visit and expressions of compassion come too late. They wanted to hear from the leader of the province immediately and unfortunately, that did not happen. Emotions were running as high as the floodwaters and their discontent is certainly understandable.

Others, though, were calmed by the visit and the announcement of funding. As some area residents put it, better late than never.