National

Rain, Melting Snow Pose Flooding Concerns Across B.C. As Evacuations Lift

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 23 May, 2018 11:30 AM

Many people forced from their homes by flooding in southern British Columbia have been allowed to return, but officials say there are still areas of concern in many parts of the province.

Evacuation orders for about 171 addresses in Grand Forks were lifted Tuesday, with the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary saying the threat of flooding had decreased.

Residents of more than 500 properties across the province remained out of their home, and another 6,500 were on evacuation alert, warned that they may need to leave at a moment's notice.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen said drones were used to re-evaluate its evacuation alerts and orders. Residents would be allowed to return to their homes "as soon as the situation is appropriate," the regional district said.

Farmers and ranchers have been hit hard by the rising waters, said Agriculture Minister Lana Popham. Cows were removed from two dairy farms on an island in the Fraser River near Surrey, she said.

British Columbians give help when it's needed, and it's needed now. @RedCrossBC needs more donations to better help people on the ground who have been affected by #BCFlood.

We're matching donations, so you'll have double the impact if you donate now: https://t.co/vdYVBCfrvr
— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) May 22, 2018

This business owner in downtown #GrandForks doesn’t mince words describing the support offered during #BCFloods2018. I’ve met some incredibly generous and committed people during my visit to flood impacted communities this weekend. #2018freshet #bcpoli @BC1 @CBCNews pic.twitter.com/WAbc4J4i5s
— Jennifer Rice (@JenniferRice6) May 21, 2018

"The flooding is taking a toll on farming and ranching families again," Popham said, adding many agriculture operations were also affected by last summer's historic wildfire season.

Temperatures have been unseasonably high across much of the province in recent weeks, melting snow faster than waterways can cope with it, said David Campbell of the River Forecast Centre.

"We, not surprisingly, have seen ongoing, dramatic, rapid snowmelt across the province over the last few weeks," he said.

Enough snow has melted to reduce the risk for many areas that have seen significant flooding, Campbell said, but large melting snowpacks could still overwhelm the Thompson and Fraser rivers, and waterways in the Kootenay region.

A huge thank you to everyone spending their long weekend laying sandbags, working at emergency response centres, and helping people in need. Your time, energy, and selflessness are greatly appreciated. #BCflood
— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) May 19, 2018

Looking to help those affected by the #BCFlood? We'll be matching funds for donations to the @RedCrossBC between May 16 and July 31.

For more information: https://t.co/0ApgL2TNi5 pic.twitter.com/yPou4z00gl
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) May 19, 2018

Severe rainfall is also a concern, he added, because June is known to bring wet weather across the province.

"It's difficult, really, to kind of stand down from the seasonal risk until we're well past those weather risks," he said.

Chris Duffy of Emergency Management BC said there are still about 300 Canadian Forces personnel and about 380 wildfire crews helping with the flood response.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

India becomes fastest growing market for Brand USA, too

The Indian outbound traveller is now a much-coveted commodity around the world, as the country's booming middle class seeks new destinations and emerges as a key market.

India becomes fastest growing market for Brand USA, too

Victim Laughed At Shooter Before Being Shot Inside Busy Toronto Restaurant

TORONTO — A Toronto restaurant owner says a man who was fatally shot at his establishment over the weekend laughed at his attacker immediately before bullets were fired.

Victim Laughed At Shooter Before Being Shot Inside Busy Toronto Restaurant

PM Trudeau Says He Sent A Letter To Aung San Suu Kyi On Violence Against Rohingya Muslims

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he has once again reached out to Aung San Suu Kyi about the atrocities being committed against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

PM Trudeau Says He Sent A Letter To Aung San Suu Kyi On Violence Against Rohingya Muslims

Sirsa Dera Violence: Honeypreet Tops Police's Most Wanted List

The Haryana Police on Monday released a list of the most wanted people for the violence by Dera Sacha Sauda sect followers last month. Sect Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's close aide Honeypreet Kaur tops the list.

Sirsa Dera Violence: Honeypreet Tops Police's Most Wanted List

Large-Scale Farm Created Amid Poverty, Pavement In Vancouver's Downtown Eastside

Michael Ableman has achieved something many thought impossible: creating thriving urban farms on pavement and contaminated soil in one of Canada's poorest neighbourhoods.