Dorian’s aftermath

In the aftermath of Dorian, we saw the best, and the worst, in people.

And we were reminded, again, of just how crucial a role power plays in maintaining modern life.

Just about anyone who lost electricity at some point on Saturday, Sept. 7, due to the hurricaneforce winds that walloped Nova Scotia had one pressing question: When’s the power coming back on?

From worrying about food in fridges and freezers going bad, to feeling cut off due to the loss of cell service and internet, to simply losing access to accustomed distractions like TV and video games, for many, being without power for more than a few hours was, in a sense, 21st-century culture shock.

As Nova Scotians surveyed the damage beginning the day after the storm, there were countless untold stories of neighbours helping neighbours, reflecting that strong bond of community that always unites us in times of need.

As time went on, hundreds of thousands were back on the grid, due to the efforts of Nova Scotia Power, power crews from other jurisdictions and the help of the Canadian military in clearing downed trees and other debris blocking access to damaged lines.

But Dorian’s damaging winds cut a wide swath, meaning thousands of provincial residents, many in rural areas, were still waiting to get power many days later.

Nova Scotia’s agricultural sector also took a major hit from the storm, with losses for farmers certainly in the millions.

Insurance likely won’t cover it all, so the provincial government will have to ensure growers get back on their feet.

Federal help may also be needed to rebuild.

And yes, sadly, there were some reports that a few low-lifes among us took advantage of the disruptions to steal and vandalize others’ property, including the theft of a generator from a fire department that was sorely needed to power a comfort station. Hopefully the culprits will be brought to justice.

Despite the destruction, we surely dodged a bullet in that Dorian, which at one point expected to make landfall as a category 2 hurricane, weakened before striking the province.

And let’s not forgot what the people of the Bahamas have gone through, and will continue to go through, as a result of Dorian making landfall there as a category 5 hurricane. It’s difficult to see such misery affecting so many. Not only did people lose power. They lost their homes. Many lost their lives.

So yes, Dorian did have an impact on this province.

But we did get off lucky as it could have been far worse.