Emotions running high among evacuees
Ron Cartmell, a major with the Salvation Army, has been distributing coffee, water and other supplies outside the Emergency Support Services reception centre in Vernon.
He said emotions are running high, with some evacuees getting the devastating news their homes are gone, while others are dealing with the anxiety of not knowing.
“Sometimes you pass out a bottle of water and all of a sudden the tears come, and they just need somebody to tell their story to,” Cartmell told CBC News.
“But it is challenging. Especially the uncertainty. You know, is my house there? When do I get to go back? When do I at least find out for sure? So, at least emotionally, it’s just exhausting.”
Cartmell said people have been dropping off supplies like water and granola bars, but his team has been overwhelmed and doesn’t have the resources to take any more donations.
He said the best way people can help is by making financial donations, so groups can put the money where it’s most useful.