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

New Westminster Police Constable Sukhwinder (Vinnie) Dosanjh Faces Sexual Assault Charge

New Westminster police say in a new release one of their officers, Cst. Sukhwinder Dosajnh, was arrested Tuesday after an investigation by the Victoria Police Department.

New Westminster Police Constable Sukhwinder (Vinnie) Dosanjh Faces Sexual Assault Charge

Suspect Sought After Shots Fired In East Vancouver

The VPD is investigating shots fired in the area of Kamloops Street and East 10th Avenue this evening just before 10:30 p.m.

Suspect Sought After Shots Fired In East Vancouver

Recliner Seats Give Landmark Cinemas Brand-New Look

Experience movies at Landmark Cinemas like never before!

Recliner Seats Give Landmark Cinemas Brand-New Look

Vancouver Residential Property Benchmark Prices Cracks $1 Million

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver says the typical price of a home in Metro Vancouver has surpassed $1 million.

Vancouver Residential Property Benchmark Prices Cracks $1 Million

Hot, Smoky Conditions Continue For B.C. Interior, South Coast

VANCOUVER — Environment Canada's air quality advisory and special weather statement have been extended for much of British Columbia's south coast.

Hot, Smoky Conditions Continue For B.C. Interior, South Coast

Growth Of Same-sex Marriage In Canada More Practicality Than Principle

Laura and Jen O'Connor got married for all the romantic, fairy-tale reasons: after seven years together, they were deeply in love and wanted to start a family. But on another level, they thought it might just make their life together a little easier.