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

Officials Count Loss, Damages After Wildfire Flare-Ups On B.C. Wildfires

Cariboo Regional District chairman Al Richmond says their teams have gained access to areas where houses and other buildings have been destroyed northwest of 100 Mile House.

Officials Count Loss, Damages After Wildfire Flare-Ups On B.C. Wildfires

BC elections 2017 - A Game of Toppling Thrones

History was made in more ways than one when preliminary results of the May 9 election produced a minority government with the BC Liberals winning 43 seats, one short of the 44 needed for a majority government. With the BC NDP taking 41 and the Green Party winning a record three seats, the outcome wasn’t as simple as just counting votes.

BC elections 2017 - A Game of Toppling Thrones

Canadians Angry At Omar Khadr Deal Donate To Kin Of Slain U.S. Soldier

TORONTO — Canadians across the country have been reaching into their wallets to donate money to the family of an American soldier whom Omar Khadr is accused of killing in Afghanistan 15 years ago.

Canadians Angry At Omar Khadr Deal Donate To Kin Of Slain U.S. Soldier

Vancouver Overdose Deaths Reach 25 In June, While Crews Attended 579 OD Calls

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Police Department reports 25 people died of suspected overdoses last month and first responders were called to 579 overdose calls in the city in June.

Vancouver Overdose Deaths Reach 25 In June, While Crews Attended 579 OD Calls

SHAMEFUL: Looters Taking Advantage Of B.C. Fires Are Typical At Natural Disasters- Expert

VANCOUVER — As if the risk of losing their homes isn't enough, wildfire evacuees in British Columbia have faced the additional threat of looters searching through their belongings after they rushed to safety.