Residents of Sumas, Washington, are facing a familiar challenge alongside their neighbors in Abbotsford, British Columbia, as they deal with the aftermath of devastating floods. Stacey Dailey, a resident of Sumas, expressed empathy for their Canadian counterparts, highlighting the heartbreaking similarity in the situations on both sides of the border.
On December 10, flood sirens blared in Washington state, signaling the occurrence of the second destructive flood in four years between Abbotsford and Sumas. Various strategies have been proposed over the years to prevent such disasters, but a definitive solution remains elusive.
In contrast to Abbotsford, the mayor of Sumas raised concerns about the existential threat posed by the floods to his city. Mayor Bruce Bosch emphasized the urgent need for action to avert future calamities. The recent flood caused significant damage to almost 3,900 homes in Washington, with around 440 homes either destroyed or severely affected, estimating damages in Sumas between $4 million and $5 million.
The flooding in Washington’s Nooksack River resulted from substantial rainfall, causing the river to overflow and inundate surrounding areas. Residents like Diane Ackerman shared fears of witnessing their homes being engulfed by floodwaters again, underscoring the emotional toll of such natural disasters.
The overflow of the U.S. river significantly contributes to the flooding between Sumas and Abbotsford, prompting calls for action from the Canadian side. Satpal Singh Sidhu, the Whatcom County executive and former Abbotsford resident, emphasized the need to prioritize the protection of citizens on both sides of the border.
Efforts to address the flooding dilemma include a proposal by Mayor Bosch for a levee at a critical point where the Nooksack River spills into Abbotsford. However, Sidhu cautioned against such barriers, citing potential negative downstream impacts. Ongoing initiatives focus on dike setbacks, strengthening existing structures, and widening the river in key areas.
The Washington Department of Ecology has allocated funds for planning dike setbacks to enhance river capacity and reduce flood risks. Collaboration and investments are crucial to implementing long-term solutions to mitigate flooding in both Sumas and Abbotsford.
In Abbotsford, considerations for flood management include installing a pump on the Sumas River and enhancing existing infrastructure. Mayor Ross Siemens stressed the importance of government support to undertake necessary flood mitigation measures effectively.
While federal funding initiatives aim to support infrastructure upgrades nationwide, specific commitments for Abbotsford remain pending. The community awaits further details and funding assurances to bolster flood resilience in the region.