Canada’s drought-stricken British Columbia bracing for floods when rains return

Canada’s British Columbia province on Thursday warned residents to prepare for flooding when rains eventually return after a prolonged drought exacerbated by climate change that has raised concerns about long-term damage to ecosystems ranging from glaciers to salmon rivers.

The usually rainy western province has experienced weeks of record-breaking warm fall temperatures and minimal precipitation in central and southern regions.

Vancouver, the largest city in British Columbia, received less than a sixth of its average rainfall in August and September and has received only 0.2 millimeters so far in October, according to Environment Canada. Across the province more t