Wednesday, July 13, 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. MDT

On November 12 and 13, 2021, an atmospheric river and torrential rain forced the evacuation of over 1,100 homes in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The flooding and subsequent landslides damaged all three major highways leading out of the area, leaving a population of 2.8 million people completely disconnected from the rest of Canada. Not only did emergency managers have to manage thousands of evacuees—including farmers and migrant farm workers from Mexico, and Central and South America—they had to rescue many trapped travelers who had no way to get home. Disaster Psychosocial Services was deployed to assist Abbotsford Emergency Support Services to help address the psychosocial needs of evacuees and responders. They, and other first response organizations, all assisted in managing illegal drug use, persons with pre-existing mental health issues, homeless populations, non-native language speakers, children, and many individuals who were in acute states of distress. This presentation will discuss some of the most challenging situations that arose, effective strategies, and recommendations for future events.