B-C’s minister of emergency management is underscoring the severity of drought in the province. Bowinn Ma says the drought is unlike any other B-C has experienced and likens it to a “sleeping giant of a natural disaster” that’s already causing significant impacts on people, businesses and ecosystems. Ma says the best-case scenario to hope for this fall is sustained but gradual rainfall to recharge B-C’s watersheds, as too much rain over a short period carries the risk of flooding. Ma says the province has been working with communities to increase restrictions on water use and asking that water licensees voluntarily reduce their draws from rivers and streams steps she says officials only take when absolutely necessary.
