A technical briefing this morning from the Alberta Emergency Management Agency provided the latest information on flooding status and management in southern Alberta.
Dave Galea, executive director of public safety initiatives, said the situation has stabilized in most areas and recovery efforts are beginning.
“Our focus currently is shifting from response to recovery,” said Galea.
“The high water levels have now moved through the communities in Alberta, and it’s time to gauge the impact of the flooding damage with a view to getting Albertans back into their homes as quickly as we possibly can.”
Read Also
Canada lifts several import tariffs on U.S. goods as talks continue
Starting September 1, Canada will adjust its tariffs on agricultural products, consumer goods and machinery, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced at a press conference in Ottawa on Friday.
As of this morning, 26 communities and municipalities had declared states of local emergencies. Five had rescinded that status: City of Lethbridge, County of Lethbridge, County of Cypress, City of Red Deer and municipality of Crowsnest Pass.
Twelve highways remain closed and three others have restricted access. Ferries are not operating.
Alberta 511 is the best source for current road information, said Galea.
Canadian forces personnel are assisting in Canmore, Kananaskis, High River and Medicine Hat. About 2,500 soldiers are involved.
Though more showers are in the forecast throughout the southern region today, they are not expected to have significant impact.
Calgary: 10,000 people remain out of their homes, and 65,000 have been able to return after evacuation orders were lifted in their neighbourhoods. Downtown Calgary remains closed to non-emergency and response personnel and to traffic.
High River: 80 percent of the city remains without electricity and basic services. Evacuation orders are still in effect for the population of 13,000 residents. Galea said some chose to remain in their homes, but the number is unknown and they are unsafe. A team is now going door to door in High River to see if anyone is trapped and to gauge safety. The waste water treatment system is not working.
Canmore: Gas service has been restored to 70 percent of the community. There are limits on drinking water availability and a boil water advisory is in effect. Officials are working on a re-entry plan. The local evacuation centre has been closed.
Exshaw: An evacuation centre is operating at the school. The septic system has been compromised.
Turner Valley: Evacuation orders have been lifted and people can return home. The water system is operating and water is safe to drink.
Black Diamond: Utilities are being restored. Residents are advised to conserve water until full operations are assessed and restored.
Medicine Hat: Schools will be closed until Wednesday. The river has crested but flow remains high. Medicine Hat College is the evacuation centre. About 10,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. The TransCanada Highway bridge remains open but other road closures are likely. Water levels peaked at 5,300 cubic metres per second, lower than initial forecasts. The water treatment and electrical plants are operating and have been successfully protected.
Banff: The 911 service has been affected and is operating only intermittently.
Kananaskis: Evacuation continues of people in the back country. There is a boil water advisory.
Stoney Nation, Morley: Water in public system is safe but private wells may be compromised.
Stoney Nation, Bighorn: 44 people were evacuated.
Stoney Nation, Eden Valley: 400 people were evacuated. There is a boil water advisory.
County of Rockyview: An evacuation order has been rescinded.
Tsuu T’ina Nation: Redwood Meadows area has been evacuated over fears a berm may still fail.
Siksika Nation: 1,000 people were evacuated. Centres are operating at Deerfoot Sportsplex and at the Gleichen arena. There is a boil water advisory.
Devon: 2,000 people were evacuated from Lions Park, where they were involved in a social function. The river there has now peaked.
Alberta flooding info is being aggregated from around the web on the WP’s Alberta flooding updates page.
