As Nova Scotia Emerges from Heavy Snowfall, Woman Describes Anxious Wait for Rescue
SYDNEY, N.S. – A massive snowstorm has left residents in Cape Breton anxiously awaiting rescue as heavy snowfall blocked entrances to homes, paralyzed roadways, and led to a local state of emergency.
The cleanup effort has been ongoing for several days now, after snow accumulations of up to 150 centimeters were reported in parts of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, including Sydney, the island’s largest community.
Snowplows are now working alongside ambulances to reach people in need of medical care, while members of a search and rescue organization have been dispatched to assist vulnerable individuals with snow removal throughout the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Debbie Crane, a 61-year-old resident of Whitney Pier, a Sydney neighborhood, found herself trapped in her home after blowing snow created drifts that blocked both entrances and buried her car since Friday night. Crane had already missed one crucial kidney dialysis appointment and anxiously awaited rescue. Her brother eventually arrived, digging a narrow path through the snowdrifts to clear an entrance. Her sister also helped by shoveling a path to the street, and a kind stranger operating a snowplow lent a hand.
However, the days and hours leading up to her rescue were incredibly stressful, as Crane’s anxiety about receiving vital treatment continued to grow. She described having to limit her fluid intake to ease the strain on her kidneys while waiting for a ride to the hospital.
In response to the situation, Christina Lamey, a spokeswoman for the municipality, advised individuals in need of hospital transportation to call 911, which triggers the coordination of ambulance transport with additional snowplow support. Lamey emphasized the importance of residents clearing their doorways and walkways to facilitate emergency access.
Paul French, a spokesperson for the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada, announced that ground search and rescue volunteers were being utilized to aid in snow removal, primarily focusing on the homes of vulnerable individuals and those requiring medical attention within the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. In Halifax, they are conducting wellness checks among the homeless population.
The remaining 21 SARVAC organizations in Nova Scotia are expected to be called upon to assist other municipalities still grappling with heavy snowfall.
As the cleanup continues, the provincial government has issued an advisory urging people in Cape Breton to stay off the roads to allow for the arrival of additional snow-clearing equipment. Nova Scotia has also requested assistance from neighboring provinces and the federal government.
Federal Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan has confirmed that Parks Canada will be sending snow removal equipment to clear the roads, and the Canadian Coast Guard will deploy helicopters to deliver critical supplies and evacuate individuals in need. Humanitarian organizations such as the Red Cross will also provide aid.
John Lohr, Nova Scotia’s minister responsible for emergency management, stressed the province’s need for federal support in maintaining public safety.
In response to the situation, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality declared a local state of emergency on Sunday, which is anticipated to remain in effect for the remainder of the week.
As a result of the ongoing snowstorm, schools across Cape Breton were closed on Tuesday, along with schools in certain areas of the province’s northern and eastern regions. Nova Scotia Health has also warned that some non-emergency services may be reduced due to heavy snow and poor road conditions.
While the situation in Nova Scotia remains challenging, a heartwarming incident took place in Prince Edward Island. Erin Redmond, who operates a heavy equipment rental and snow removal business, used his expertise to rescue a woman’s horses that had been stranded for days in a pasture behind large snow drifts. Redmond and his trusty dog Sport arrived on the scene early Tuesday and successfully created a path to lead the horses back to their barn.
I used my tractor and snowblower, and I got my trusty dog with me. We went and we do what we do … You don’t want to see somebody struggling. You try and help people out, I mean that’s just what we do here, Redmond said.
As the cleanup efforts continue throughout Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of residents affected by the heavy snowfall.
