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

B.C.'s Health Minister Terry Lake Campaigns To Raise Legal Smoking Age To 21

Terry Lake says he's an ardent anti-smoker and believes the longer people are legally prevented from buying tobacco products, the better the odds are they won't pick up the habit.

B.C.'s Health Minister Terry Lake Campaigns To Raise Legal Smoking Age To 21

NDP Renews Call For B.C. Premier To Change Law On Political Donations

VICTORIA — British Columbia's NDP leader is asking the premier to support a bill he plans to introduce that would ban corporate and union donations to the province's political parties.

NDP Renews Call For B.C. Premier To Change Law On Political Donations

Avalanche Warning Issued For Parts Of Northern British Columbia And Alberta

REVELSTOKE, B.C. — A special avalanche warning has been issued for parts of northern British Columbia and Alberta, starting Friday and lasting until the end of the day on Monday.

Avalanche Warning Issued For Parts Of Northern British Columbia And Alberta

Investment Scam Mastermind To Be Sentenced In 'Ponzi Scheme' Fraud

HALIFAX — A Nova Scotia financial manager who was the mastermind behind an investment scam that bilked about 200 investors out of more than $1 million is to be sentenced later this year.

Investment Scam Mastermind To Be Sentenced In 'Ponzi Scheme' Fraud

Canadians Set To Watch Trump Inauguration, Some Plan To Boycott The Event

Trump Uncertainty May Be 'golden Moment' For Canadian Firms To Invest: Expert

Canadians Set To Watch Trump Inauguration, Some Plan To Boycott The Event

RCMP Instructor Charged With Assault At Regina Airport, Remains At Work

REGINA — An instructor at the RCMP's training depot in Regina has been charged with assault for allegedly punching a man through the window of a vehicle.