Costs mount, devastation rises: the flood in numbers

A road crew foreman surveys the washed-out lanes of northbound MacLeod Trail in Calgary, Alta., Monday, June 24, 2013. Heavy rains caused flooding, closed roads, and forced evacuations across Southern Alberta.Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press

$3-billion to $5-billion

The total damage from flooding, according to estimates from BMO Nesbitt Burns and ATB Financial. The Insurance Bureau of Canada has declined to provide an estimate, saying it's too early to do so. The $5-billion figure includes the cost of rebuilding and repairing buildings, as well as replacing damaged infrastructure. BMO and ATB warn that estimates may have to be revised upward.

25 per cent

Proportion of losses that BMO predicts won't be covered by insurance.

$150-million to $300-million

The financial hit to the Canadian economy because of the floods, according to BMO Nesbitt Burns. With downtown Calgary closed to business, the company estimates that Canada's economic growth will slow by 0.1 to 0.2 per cent in June. That could be offset somewhat as reconstruction starts.

$4.6-billion

The total damage from the 1998 ice storm that swept across Ontario and Quebec to New Brunswick. That's $6.2-billion in today's dollars.

$400-million

Damage from the last major flood to hit Calgary, in 2005.

2,700

The maximum speed, in cubic metres per second, recorded where the Bow and Elbow rivers meet in central Calgary. By Monday afternoon the speed was down to 900 cubic metres per second.

100,000 to 120,000

Number of people ordered evacuated across Alberta.

12,920

The population of High River, which is still off limits to its residents. The town was hit hardest by floods and has a heavily damaged water and sewer system. Elsewhere in Alberta, most evacuation notices were lifted as of Monday afternoon, but 10,000 people could not return to their homes in Medicine Hat.

Number of communities still under a state of emergency as of Monday afternoon.

3,099

Number of buildings in downtown Calgary that need to be inspected before power is restored. Authorities expect electricity to return to parts of the downtown by Tuesday.

2,300

Canadian Forces personnel deployed to Alberta, supported by six Griffon light helicopters and one Cormorant search-and-rescue helicopter.

$3.3-million

Money raised by the Red Cross as of Monday afternoon.

600

Number of volunteers officials called for Monday morning with about two hours' notice.

2,500

Estimated number who showed up.

$1-billion

Initial support for flood relief pledged by Premier Alison Redford on Monday. The money will fund flood-relief centres, pay for rebuilding damaged infrastructure and provide pre-paid debit cards to displaced families. As a result of the new spending, Alberta no longer expects a balanced budget.

$1,250, $250

Amount displaced residents will receive per adult and child, respectively, in those pre-loaded debit cards for immediate housing needs and day-to-day purchases.

90 per cent

Maximum proportion of flood-related expenses the federal government will be responsible for under Canada's Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements. The program stipulates that Ottawa will foot most of the bill once the first $18-million in aid has been split with the province.