Huntsville’s flood has been covered extensively by the national media, and calls from people in faraway places, checking in on their loved ones to see how they’ve fared in the face of floods and inclement weather, have become commonplace.

However, the story that isn’t dominating the 6 o’clock news is how a community with the size and heart of Huntsville has come together to help those in need.

Emergency response crews, municipal staff, Huntsville’s mayor, neighbours, politicians and countless volunteers worked tirelessly around the clock to ensure people living along the Big East River corridor were safe, had a dry place to go, had food to eat, and were kept informed.

Emergency response crews went door-to-door warning people of the high water levels, asking them to leave their homes for safer grounds. They evacuated some residents by boat and stayed in close proximity to those who chose to stay.

The municipality established an all-night call centre and staff did their best not only to calm residents and answer their questions, but also to help the displaced find shelter.

The Salvation Army stepped up to the plate and helped provide accommodation, food and clothing, and members of the business community also offered their help.

Unlike the experiences of some other communities in similar circumstances, nobody was shunned for their colour, creed or for living in a flood-prone area. The community put a plan in place with amazing speed and efficiency, and while there were material losses, there were no major injuries or loss of life reported.

Huntsville’s spirit and resolve shone through even the most trying of times.

And as people are given the green light to return to their homes, we hope knowing that the community stands behind them makes the burden of rebuilding a little lighter.

A trust fund has been established to help with monetary contributions and local politicians have started knocking on the doors leading to senior levels of governments for help. We hope they show the same spirit and resolve and help those devastated by the flood rebuild in such a way that the next time the Big East swells the damage is contained.

T.d.V.