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B.C. storm totals $37M in insured damages

The December storm wreaked havoc on B.C.’s south coast
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Waves crash against a seawall at high tide as cars maneuver past during a windstorm Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018, in Seattle. More than 140,000 households and businesses lost power Thursday as strong winds toppled trees, closed roads and even trapped a trampoline between power lines in western Washington. A high wind warning remained in effect for much of area into Thursday evening, with gusts up to 60 miles an hour recorded earlier in the day. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

The December storm that battered much of B.C.’s south coast cost $37 million in insured damages, the Insurance Bureau of Canada announced Wednesday.

On Dec. 20, strong winds and heavy rain causes significant damage to about 3,000 homes, as well as businesses and vehicles.

The brunt of it was felt in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, and the Gulf Islands, where many BC Hydro customers were without power over Christmas. In White Rock, the iconic pier at the city’s waterfront was cut in two when moored boats crashed through it.

At its peak, the storm put 750,000 BC Hydro customers in the dark.

WATCH: ‘It’s heartbreaking’: Hundreds flock to White Rock pier to see storm’s aftermath

READ MORE: Small island runs out of gas, groceries as power stays off on parts of B.C.’s coast

The end-of-year storm brought the total insured damage from extreme weather across the country to $1.9 billion in 2018.

“The financial costs of climate change are increasing rapidly,” said Aaron Sutherland, vice president for the bureau’s Pacific region.

“Last month’s storm events are the latest example of the need to improve our resilience to climate change and adapt to the new weather reality we face.”

Black Press Media readers thank BC Hydro workers after December storm


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White Rock pier following December storm (Black Press Media files)


About the Author: Ashley Wadhwani-Smith

I began my journalistic journey at Black Press Media as a community reporter in my hometown of Maple Ridge, B.C.
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