7,000 people evacuated, many homes destroyed, town hall destroyed, new library destroyed, many businesses gone .... Hospital survived. No known deaths. No word on when people will be allowed back; doesn't look like it will be within the next few days; could be weeks.

Biggest evacuation centre is in the town of Athabasca. Apparently people are well cared for, due to generosity of fellow Albertans, and local volunteers.

I've spent much time in and around Slave Lake, and my impression is that the people in general are a resilient bunch, independent and tough, used to rolling with the punches. This is a hard thing to see, though.