CMHA offering free counselling services to Merritt residents impacted by 2021 flooding

Merritt residents will be able to access counselling services to address their emotional impacts, nearly five years after the entire community was evacuated due to flooding.

The Kamloops branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA Kamloops) says people in the Merritt area will be able to get free counselling supports until Sept. 30, 2026. It notes the service is funded by the Canadian Red Cross and offered through the Merritt Resiliency Project.

All approximately 7,000 residents of Merritt were forced to evacuate on Nov. 15, 2021, as an atmospheric river brought heavy rain to the area. According to city estimates, 300 millimetres of rain was recorded over a 48-hour period, leading to the largest water flows on record in the region as well as a 1,000-plus-year return period for the Coldwater River’s peak.

“The 2021 floods affected people in different ways, and emotional impacts can continue long after the immediate emergency has passed,” a statement from CMHA Kamloops said. “Counselling may help with anxiety or depression, stress related to displacement, recovery or rebuilding, relationship or family difficulties, or ongoing emotional impacts connected to the floods.”

Merritt residents impacted by the flooding are encouraged to visit CMHA Kamloops’ website and choose a counsellor who suits their needs.

“Counselling is confidential, delivered by qualified professionals, and available through secure video, telephone and in-person options,” the CMHA statement added.