A youth has died after being swept away during a flash flood in Wolfville on Thursday night, July 11, 2024. The incident occurred at a park on Highland Avenue, where the youth and friends were playing when sudden and heavy rainfall caused the area to flood rapidly.
At approximately 7:40 p.m., Kings District RCMP received a report that a youth had been pulled into a water-filled ditch and disappeared under the rushing waters. The severe weather conditions were a result of the remnants of Hurricane Barrel, which had caused significant rainfall across the Annapolis Valley earlier that evening. Environment Canada reported that more than 100 millimeters of rain fell within hours, leading to widespread flash flooding.
The search for the missing youth involved multiple agencies. The RCMP, Valley, Annapolis County, and West Hants Ground Search and Rescue teams, as well as the Wolfville Fire Department, responded promptly to the emergency call. Additional support came from the Town of Wolfville Public Works and Acadia University.
Emergency crews worked diligently, diverting the area’s water drainage system to aid the search. The youth’s remains were located at approximately 11:30 p.m., nearly four hours after the initial report. Despite the best efforts of all involved, the outcome was tragic.
Out of respect for the family, the Nova Scotia RCMP has not released the name or personal details of the deceased youth. In a statement, the RCMP expressed their condolences, saying, “Our thoughts are with the youth’s family and loved ones, and the entire community.” The sudden loss has left the Wolfville community in mourning, with many expressing their grief and support for the affected family.
The flash floods, triggered by the intense rainfall, caused significant damage throughout the region. Roads were washed away, homes were inundated, and rivers overflowed, creating hazardous conditions. The premier of Nova Scotia described the day as devastating, highlighting the substantial infrastructure damage across the Annapolis Valley. “There is tremendous infrastructure damage throughout the valley,” the premier stated. “We’ll rebuild that, but none of that will replace the loss of a young life.”
The incident has brought the community together in a shared sense of loss and resilience. As recovery efforts begin, the focus remains on supporting the grieving family and addressing the widespread damage caused by the flooding.
The thoughts and prayers of many are with the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time.