Much more money raised for Fort McMurray than other recent disasters

FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. — The Canadian Red Cross says it has raised almost $300 million to support its relief efforts after a wildfire devastated parts of the northern Alberta city of Fort McMurray. The agency says $165 million was donated by Canadians and it received $134 million in matching funds from the provincial and federal governments. The fire forced more than 80,000 people from their homes for a month and destroyed more than 2,400 buildings. No one was killed in the fire, but two evacuees died in a car crash south of the city. 

Here is a look at the amounts raised by the Red Cross in other recent Canadian disasters: 

Alberta floods — $45 million

More than 100,000 people in several communities, including Calgary and High River, were forced from their homes when major flooding hit southern Alberta in June 2013. Five people died and the flooding caused more than $5 billion in damage.

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Lac Megantic rail disaster — $14.8 million

In July 2013, an unmanned train carrying oil rolled though Lac Megantic, Que., and derailed, sparking a massive fire. Half of the downtown was destroyed in the blaze and 47 people were killed.

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Slave Lake wildfire — $6.5 million

In May 2011, flames swept through a large part of the Alberta community of Slave Lake. The fire forced 7,000 from their homes and destroyed more than 400 buildings — about one-third of the town. A chopper pilot was killed fighting the flames.

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(Source:The Canadian Red Cross)

The Canadian Press