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

ICBC Spends $800,000 In Damage Claims For Ferrari That Crashed Into Pole

According to documents filed in B.C. Supreme Court, the plaintiff accidentally drove the 1990 Ferrari F40 into a utility pole on Sept. 9, 2012, leaving it badly damaged.

ICBC Spends $800,000 In Damage Claims For Ferrari That Crashed Into Pole

‘It's Really Frustrating:' Sikh Canadians Dismayed By Extremism Allegations

I almost feel like this obsession with Sikhs shows that India is almost threatened by Sikhs in the diaspora

‘It's Really Frustrating:' Sikh Canadians Dismayed By Extremism Allegations

Vancouver Police Looking For Shawana Chaudhary And Son After Alleged Parental Abduction

Shawana Chaudhary May Be Traveling With Her Son, Emerson Cusworth, And Her Six-year-old Daughter.

Vancouver Police Looking For Shawana Chaudhary And Son After Alleged Parental Abduction

Karina Gould Becomes First Federal Cabinet Minister To Give Birth

OTTAWA — Democratic Institutions Minister Karina Gould has made history — twice over — with the birth of a baby boy this week. She's the first woman to give birth while holding a federal cabinet post.

Karina Gould Becomes First Federal Cabinet Minister To Give Birth

Trudeau's G7 Sherpa Says Former Conservative Government 'Suppressed' Diplomats

Canada's G7 sherpa says the previous Conservative government "suppressed" everything diplomats tried to do during its decade in power.

Trudeau's G7 Sherpa Says Former Conservative Government 'Suppressed' Diplomats

B.C. Home Sales To Fall As Interest Rates Rise, But Prices Stay Strong: BCREA

Real estate experts in British Columbia predict residential home sales will dip this year but remain well above the province's 10-year average, although they warn rising interest rates could leave some B.C. households "vulnerable."