Hannah Jackson CTVNews.ca Writer
A house on a farm is surrounded by floodwaters in Abbotsford, B.C., on Wednesday, November 17, 2021. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)
BARRIE -- Devastating flooding, mudslides and strong winds in British Columbia have prompted officials to declare a provincial state of emergency.
Work is continuing around the clock to clean up and recover after the storm, but thousands remain displaced from their homes. Here’s a look at the latest developments from B.C. PROVINCIAL STATE OF EMERGENCYA provincial state of emergency was declared in B.C. on Wednesday. “The order will preserve basic access to services and supplies for communities across the province,” B.C. Premier John Horgan told a press conference. |
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Horgan said his government will introduce travel restrictions to ensure essential goods and medical and emergency services are able to reach communities, but he urged residents not to hoard groceries as recovery efforts continue.
“Do the right thing,” he said. “Listen to what your mom told you when you were little: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’” Horgan said the federal government has agreed to assist with managing supply chains, and restoring safe drinking water in the province. On Wednesday, Canada’s Minister of Emergency Preparedness tweeted that Canadian Armed Forces members (CAF) will be deployed to help in B.C. He said air support personnel will assist with evacuation efforts, support supply chain routes, and protect residents against floods and landslides. ABBOTSFORD PUMP STATION STILL HOLDING STEADY In the city of Abbotsford, emergency evacuation orders remain for those in the Sumas Prairie as the Barrowtown Pump Station works at maximum capacity. |
Officials warned that if the pump station fails, the effects could be “catastrophic.”
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the city’s Mayor Henry Braun said water from flooding in Washington State was flowing into the city, putting extra strain on the pump station. According to Braun, a temporary dam built around the station is helping to buy time. Braun said the water level on Wednesday had dropped two metres, but needed to drop another metre in order to relieve enough pressure on the pumps. Elsewhere in the city, evacuation orders have been rescinded. Late Wednesday evening, the city lifted evacuation alerts for Eagle Mountain Areas, Ten Oaks, Straiton Areas and Matsqui Village. City officials are expected to provide the latest updates at a press conference at 7:30 a.m. local time Thursday. MERRITT EVACUATION ORDER CONTINUES Meanwhile, an evacuation order issued for the city of Merritt on Monday remains in place. |
In a statement issued Wednesday, the city’s Mayor Linda Brown said she has “personally spoken” with Premier Horgan and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“They both expressed their thoughts of mourning, respect for the resiliency of Merrittonians, and commitment that the Province and Federal government stand with the residents of Merritt,” the statement reads. Brown said the city has their support to address the communities “immediate and long-term needs.” According to Brown, the city’s emergency operations team is now working to bring residents whose homes were not affected by the flood home, and then will work to allow for the “safe return of residents whose homes were inundated.” “As soon as we can provide safe water and have toilets flush, we will bring you home,” Brown said. Crews area also working to assess roads and bridges and home damage across the city. They are also working to clean up debris. Brown also said there is a “large contingent of RCMP in the community,” who are are primarily working on rescue operations and towards securing and protecting property. |
Also on Wednesday, the Houston Street bridge was re-opened after inspection by an engineer. Though officials said the Main Street bridge remains closed to traffic.
ONE FATALITY, MORE EXPECTED Officials on Tuesday confirmed one woman has died as a result of the devastating mudslides on Highway 99, south of Lillooet. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Horgan said more fatalities are expected. To date, at least three people have been reported missing in the area. ROAD CLOSURES CONTINUE In a tweet late Wednesday, the B.C. government said many roads continue to be closed or limited to one-lane traffic. “Please do not travel unless it is essential,” the post reads. Officials said crews are working to reopen roads from the lower mainland to the interior and north to “keep people and supply chains moving.” A list of road closures can be found here. With a file from The Canadian Press |
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