Dateline: 07/19/00
Survivors are now being allowed back into the Green Acres campground area to salvage any personal possessions they can from the devastation left by a killer tornado that struck Pine Lake, Alberta last Friday.
Eleven people were killed and more than 130 injured when the tornado struck Green Acres campground on the west side of Pine Lake on Friday evening. Four hundred campsites were destroyed. Pine Lake is 60 km (about 35 miles) southeast of Red Deer, Alberta.
Residents and campers who want to return to the camp site must call the RCMP which is arranging the timetable of visits. The number is:
RCMP Survivor Site Visit: 1-877-592-0919
The Alberta Mental Health Board has set up a free province-wide crisis support line to help victims, families, rescuers, and others affected by this disaster. If you are feeling symptoms such as chills, nausea, panic or confusion, call the following number for support and referrals:
Crisis Support Line: 1-800-779-5057
Alberta Premier Klein says the Alberta Cabinet will meet early next week to discuss financial aid for victims. Prime Minister Chrétien, who toured the site on Tuesday, says the federal government will wait for an assessment of the damages from Alberta before it decides on federal assistance. The current estimate of damage is $13 million, but that is expected to go up.
The Government of Alberta advises that those in Alberta who wish to help the relief efforts can contact their local Canadian Blood Services office to see if blood donations are required. Financial contributions can be made to the Canadian Red Cross by calling 1-800-418-1111. Donations to the Red Cross relief fund for victims can also be made at Canada Trust branches across the country.
Tornadoes require hot and humid weather, so usually occur between May and August in Canada. They are likely to happen in the late afternoon or early evening. The most severe tornado on record in Canada was in 1912 in Regina, Saskatchewan. It killed 28 people and flattened much of the downtown area. A more recent tornado in 1987 in Edmonton killed 27 people. Environment Canada says an average of 16 tornadoes occur in Alberta every year and an average of 41 tornadoes occur each year on the Canadian prairies.
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