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

Protests Against Trump Tower Opening Cost An Estimate $105,000: Vancouver Police

Wstimates show police spent $105,000 preparing for and policing demonstrations throughout the city on Feb. 28.

Protests Against Trump Tower Opening Cost An Estimate $105,000: Vancouver Police

Vancouver Police Say Suspect Arrested, Charged Following Weekend Homicide

Vancouver police say a man has been charged after the fourth homicide in the city last weekend.

Vancouver Police Say Suspect Arrested, Charged Following Weekend Homicide

Austrian Man Killed In Avalanche While Heli-Skiing In East-central B.C.

A 52-year-old visitor from Austria has been killed in an avalanche north of Revelstoke, B.C.

Austrian Man Killed In Avalanche While Heli-Skiing In East-central B.C.

Four Rescued, One Missing After Fishing Vessel Flips, Sinks, Near Comox, B.C.

Call came in at about 4 p.m. that a 17-metre vessel had capsized with five people on board.

Four Rescued, One Missing After Fishing Vessel Flips, Sinks, Near Comox, B.C.

Montreal Woman Manpreet Kooner Denied Entry To United States Told She Needed Visa

Manpreet Kooner says she was turned away at a crossing along the Quebec-Vermont border on Sunday and informed she needed a valid visa.

Montreal Woman Manpreet Kooner Denied Entry To United States Told She Needed Visa

Khizr Khan Cancels Toronto Talk After Travel Privileges 'Being Reviewed': Organizer

The organizer of a luncheon featuring a speech by the father of an American Muslim soldier killed in Iraq said Monday that the event was cancelled because the man's "travel privileges are being reviewed."