Wolfville, N.S., youth dies in Thursday’s flash flooding
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Nova Scotia RCMP say a Wolfville, N.S., youth died in Thursday night’s flash flood.
In a news release issued Friday morning, RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Carlie McCann said the youth was playing with friends at a park on Highland Avenue when a flash flood happened. Wolfville is located around 100 kilometres northwest of Halifax.
RCMP say the youth was pulled into a water-filled ditch around 7:40 p.m. AT and disappeared under the rushing water. They did not disclose the victim’s name, age or gender.
RCMP say the water drainage system in the area was diverted as part of the search effort.
The youth’s body was found around 11:30 p.m., police say. It’s unclear where the body was found.
RCMP said a news conference will be held at 2 p.m. Friday. Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston and Wolfville Mayor Wendy Donovan will also speak. CBC News will livestream the briefing in this story.
Some areas of Digby, Annapolis, Kings and Hants counties in Nova Scotia saw severe flooding on Thursday evening after heavy rain hit the province. (Photo credit: Brian Taylor)
An emergency alert warning of flash flooding was issued for Digby, Annapolis, Kings and Hants counties Thursday evening as remnants of post-tropical storm Beryl swept through the western part of the province. The province issued the alert at 8:30 p.m.
Thursday’s severe weather event marks the second time in less than a year that flooding has caused a death in the province. Last summer, four people died after inland flooding on July 22 saw torrential waters pour over rural Route 14 near Brooklyn, N.S. — northwest of Halifax — and sweep two vehicles into a hayfield.
Houston issued a statement Friday afternoon prior to the press conference.
“Today is a devastating day for our province,” he said. “Like all Nova Scotians, I am heartbroken at the news that a youth in Wolfville lost his life as a result of flash flooding.
“On behalf of all Nova Scotians, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends who are processing a devastating loss. I hope they find some comfort in knowing that they are not alone in their mourning.”
Houston all commended the efforts of first responders “who acted heroically to protect and safeguard their fellow Nova Scotians last night, and every time they are called upon.”
Michael Gardiner, the farm manager at Hennigar’s Farm Market in Wolfville, said Thursday’s storm was the worst he’s seen.
Gardiner said while he’s seen more rain fall before, it was how quickly it came down that was different, and how that caused flash flooding.
“It was literally, like, a blink of an eye,” said Gardiner.
He said they opened up both ends of the market to allow the water to run through the store.
Gardiner said a crew is on site today cleaning up the mess.
“Everything’s destroyed,” he said. “There’s mud everywhere. It’s quite bad.”
There’s an outdoor part of the business that’s home to an animal park. Gardiner said the goat pen was filled with almost a metre of water and he had to carry them out.
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