Heavy rainstorms beginning on June 19, 2013, caused severe flooding in the Canadian province of Alberta. At least four people were killed as a result of the flooding and over 100,000 residents were displaced. A total of 298 Jehovah’s Witnesses were initially evacuated from the area, and a Witness convention scheduled to take place in the Saddledome, a large arena in Calgary, Alberta, had to be rescheduled. In the town of High River, flood waters damaged 58 homes of Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Kingdom Hall sustained heavy damage. A disaster relief committee composed of local Witness elders helped to provide aid, and a representative from the Canada branch office traveled to the affected area to offer spiritual comfort to the victims.

Media Contact(s):

International: J. R. Brown, Office of Public Information, tel. +1 718 560 5000

Canada: Mark Ruge, tel. +1 905 873 4100