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

Indian-Origin Man Charged In Fraud Case

An Indian-origin man who allegedly sent over 1 million spam emails and damaged several computer networks has been charged with fraud, according to the Chicago federal prosecutor.

Indian-Origin Man Charged In Fraud Case

Ontario Man Threatens Family With Hammer In Dispute Over Garbage, Police Allege

KINGSTON, Ont. — Police say children fled into the freezing rain without shoes or coats after their father allegedly threatened the family with a hammer in a dispute over garbage.

Ontario Man Threatens Family With Hammer In Dispute Over Garbage, Police Allege

Facebook Employees To Get 20 Days Off For Family Bereavement

NEW YORK — Facebook says it is extending its bereavement policies and will also allow employees paid time off when a family member is sick.

Facebook Employees To Get 20 Days Off For Family Bereavement

Modi Launches Attack On Manmohan Singh, Says Demonetisation Is Unparalleled In World

Replying to a debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address to the two Houses of Parliament, Modi also chose to attack another former Prime Minister of the Congress - Indira Gandhi.

Modi Launches Attack On Manmohan Singh, Says Demonetisation Is Unparalleled In World

Donald Trump Tweets That Nordstrom Treated Ivanka 'So Unfairly'

NEW YORK — President Donald Trump tweeted Wednesday that Nordstrom, which decided to stop selling Ivanka Trump's clothing and accessory line, treated his daughter "so unfairly." Nordstrom shares dropped after the tweet but later recovered.

Donald Trump Tweets That Nordstrom Treated Ivanka 'So Unfairly'

Baby Bust: Fertility Rate Of 1.6 Continues To Put Onus On Immigration: StatCan

After Debbie Clarke's first child had reached the "terrible twos," she and her husband decided their family of three was big enough — adding a sibling would be just too much.