On August 6, Mother Nature made her presence felt across Vancouver Island with a powerful storm. Thunder, lightning, and rain impacted areas from Campbell River down to Victoria, but it seemed our stretch along Highway 19A faced the worst of it.
We experienced a hailstorm that unleashed quarter-sized hailstones for about 30 minutes. One friend even shared a photo comparing a hailstone to a quarter, confirming the storm’s intensity.
As the hail fell, our gutters overflowed, creating mini rivers where we didn’t want them, causing some basements to flood. The damage was significant. Our garden, which slopes towards the back, suffered when water cascaded down, stripping bark mulch and shifting soil. Our grapevines bore the brunt, losing hundreds of leaves and even grapes carried off by the rushing water.
The vegetable garden didn’t escape either. Beans that had just begun to flower were flattened, while beets, kale, zucchini, and rhubarb took a major hit. Surprisingly, the broccoli and carrots, protected by row covers, held up better, while our pear tree largely survived intact.
The real heartbreak came from our perennial plants, shrubs, and trees. Every flower and leaf seemed to have been shredded, with hostas and hydrangeas nearly flattened against the ground. Our big silverleaf maple, which had just been pruned, lost most of its remaining leaves, scattering them across our property.
It’s a tough time for us and our neighbors, many of whom dealt with flooded basements or damaged crops. This storm was a stark reminder of a changing climate; in our beautiful corner of the world, such violence from Mother Nature is becoming more common. We need to recognize that our once predictable climate requires our attention.
According to a recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, extreme weather events, like storms and flooding, are increasing worldwide due to climate change. Experts warn that without immediate action, these occurrences will only become more frequent and severe.
Social media reactions reflect a growing awareness too. Many are sharing stories about similar storms and advocating for sustainable practices to protect the environment. It’s clear that climate action is no longer just a personal choice; it’s a collective responsibility.
So let’s remember: the challenges we face today affect not just us but future generations. It’s time for everyone to step up and contribute towards a more sustainable world.
