In flood-devastated southern Alberta, Calgary Ismailis rose to the challenge

By Temina Lalani-Shariff for TheIsmaili.org – The first week of summer was momentous for Albertans this year.

As heavy rains pounded southern Alberta and water levels on the Bow and Elbow Rivers continued to rise, a local state of emergency was declared in 22 communities across the province. On 20 June, Calgary, a city of 1.2 million people, joined this group and declared its own local state of emergency.

With the declaration came a decision to evacuate almost 100,000 people from the towering high-rise buildings downtown and some of the most prestigious residential neighbourhoods in the city that run the length of both rivers. By 7:00 PM that evening, power and water had been cut off to these neighbourhoods and a usually vibrant city centre was dark.

More The Ismaili: In flood-devastated southern Alberta, Calgary Ismailis rose to the challenge.

Related: Global Calgary TV: Interview with Anil Karim and Farrah Khoja of Mission Possible Volunteers
“Mission Possible: Anil Karim and Fahranaz Khoja
Anil Karim heads Mission Possible to help flood clean up effort in High River, Alberta