Khristy Butler’s day took a dramatic turn when a rainstorm flooded her home in Kleefeld, Man., destroying her basement with eight inches of rainfall that filled it with six feet of water. She lost cherished belongings, including wedding pictures, and described the scene as a tornado ripping through. The aftermath includes soaked carpets, deteriorating drywall, and a lingering smell of devastation. While the damage is estimated at $100,000, her insurance only covers $10,000, leaving her unsure of how to proceed with repairs.
The flood has left Butler emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted as she navigates the process of contacting experts to repair her home. With insurance covering only her hot water tank, furnace, and electrical panel, she is left wondering how to move forward with the rest of the repairs. Grateful for the offers of help from her community, Butler describes herself as “homeless” until her home is restored and has been staying with her daughter. Despite the challenges, she remains positive and hopeful that things will eventually work out.
Butler is not alone in facing this nightmare, as others in her community have also experienced flooding and damage to their homes. She believes the situation could have been prevented if action had been taken in response to her emails to the Rural Municipality of Hanover about the draining system. However, Jim Funk, the RM’s reeve, mentions that according to engineering standards, it is difficult to build infrastructure that can withstand such extreme rainfall events. Environment and Climate Change Canada states that this level of rainfall has a one percent chance or less of occurring in a given year.
The province is working with affected communities, receiving seven requests for disaster financial assistance in response to the flooding. Despite the challenges and setbacks, Butler remains determined to push through and maintain a positive outlook on the situation. She expresses gratitude for the support she has received from her community and emphasizes her desire to help others in need as well. While the road ahead may be difficult, she is determined to persevere and believe that things will eventually work out in the end.
