Search Continues for Four People Missing in Submerged Vehicles Amid Widespread NS Flooding

State of emergency remains in effect for all of Nova Scotia

A man wearing chest waders walks past cars abandoned in floodwater in a mall parking lot following a major rain event in Halifax on July 22, 2023. Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press

Nova Scotia has declared a provincewide emergency in response to severe flooding across the province, as residents deal with the aftermath of the heaviest rain to hit the region in more than 50 years.

Four people have been declared missing in the storm, which started on July 21 and has already caused “unimaginable” damage, according to Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston.

The four—two children, a youth, and a man—were declared missing in West Hants on July 22, the day the province’s Emergency Management Office (EMO) declared the emergency.

The areas most affected by flooding include East and West Hants, Halifax Regional Municipality, Lunenburg and Queen’s counties, the province said in a July 22 news release.

Rescuers are continuing to search for the four people, who were reported missing after two vehicles in separate instances were submerged by floodwaters on July 21. Three of the five people were able to free themselves from one vehicle, but two children in that vehicle are missing. Two of four people were able to exit a second vehicle, leaving one man and a youth missing. Authorities were still searching as of the morning of July 23.

People stand at the edge of floodwater as vehicles are seen abandoned in water following a major rain event in Halifax on July 22, 2023. A long procession of intense thunderstorms have dumped record amounts of rain across a wide swath of Nova Scotia, causing flash flooding, road washouts, and power outages. Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press

Firefighters were using zip lines to rescue people and transport supplies in areas where the roads are washed out or submerged.

“We want people to be safe, and with rain continuing to fall throughout the weekend there is still the potential for more damage that could cause injury,” said Mr. Houston in an update on July 22. “Right now, the best thing people can do is stay home, monitor weather and news reports and check in on your neighbours who may need assistance.”

The flooding significantly damaged roads, bridges, dams, and other critical infrastructure. Some areas received more than 200 milimetres of rain in four to five hours.

‘Relentless Tropical Downpours’

The Weather Network said on July 22 that several communities near Halifax were continuing to deal with the aftermath of major flooding from the “historical rainfall.”

The City of Halifax provided on its website an interactive map of road closures throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).

Significant flash flooding swept through communities near Halifax on the evening of July 21, the Weather Network said.

“Relentless tropical downpours dropped 150-200+ mm of rain on the area in just a few hours. Rushing floodwaters inundated roads throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), effectively cutting off access to some communities,” said the network.

The heaviest rains hit the areas west and north of Halifax, and the Weather Network said much of the heaviest rain fell over areas already devastated by late May and June wildfires, which exacerbated the extend of the flooding. Dozens of people posted photos on social media of the damage, including areas where entire roads were washed out and houses were under water up to their roofs.

Buildings are seen upended on a riverbank as a man paddles a kayak through floodwater following a major rain event in Halifax on July 22, 2023. Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press

“This is a very serious event. This flooding has been fast and furious, and we are taking strong action to ensure Nova Scotians are protected,” said John Lohr, Minister responsible for the Emergency Management Office.

“As the rain and flood risk continues, we need people to stay off the roads so that first responders and critical infrastructure partners can do their work to restore our roads and power and keep people safe.”

The state of emergency remains in effect for 14 days, unless the province terminates or extends it.

Historic rainfall amounts and lightning activity over the weekend created widespread flooding, washouts, loss of power, and damage to properties across N.S., said the EMO. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in some areas and many roads are closed or impassable.

Nova Scotia Power was working to restore electricity to various areas over the weekend, and as of July 23, areas of the province were still experiencing rain, thunder, and lightning.

The province has advised residents in flooded areas to have an emergency kit ready, in case an evacuation order is issued, and warned residents not to attempt to shut off electricity if water is present. Officials also warned residents not to cross flooded areas, and avoid rivers and streams.

“Flooding can contaminate well water with bacteria and chemicals that can make the water unsafe to drink. People with wells should take necessary actions to make sure their well water is safe if flood waters have impacted their well,” said the province.

N.S. Public Works Minister Kim Masland said it would take the province time to undertake a full assessment of the damage to infrastructure, which could not be done until the floodwaters receded. “It will take time to reopen roads and make repairs,” she said.

By 10 p.m. local time on July 22, West Hants Regional Municipality had lifted evacuation orders and told residents they could return to their homes or businesses if it was safe to do so.