Alberta premier Alison Redford complimented Alberta volunteers and municipal emergency plans this morning as she addressed a news conference after observing the rushing waters of the Bow River.
She expressed heartfelt concerns for Albertans affected by widespread flooding in the south and promised government help when the water recedes and recovery efforts begin.
“We all feel the pain and the anxiety and the concern for the people who are most directly hit by this,” said Redford.
She also complimented first responders, police and fire personnel for their efforts and commended residents for their orderly evacuation of affected areas.
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Redford said she had spoken with prime minister Stephen Harper, who offered support.
The full scale of the disaster has yet to be revealed, as water levels are still to peak in some areas, including Red Deer, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. Those communities have longer lead time than those struck suddenly in High River, Canmore and other regions closer to the mountains.
Municipal affairs minister Doug Griffiths encouraged residents to follow public safety orders. Declaration of local states of emergency allows officials to take special measures to protect life and property, he said.
No deaths or injuries have been reported as a result of flooding but property damage will be substantial.
The Canadian military has provided personnel and helicopters for rescue efforts near High River, and it has also offered zodiacs and other rescue equipment as needed, Griffiths said.
A committee set up to manage and clean up the disastrous fire in Slave Lake has been recalled to help develop another rebuilding effort after this flood, the minister added.
Health minister Fred Horne said the health system is functioning well and all facilities are operational. Residents and staff in affected areas are safe and secure. Those wishing to inquire about a health facility patient or resident are asked to go online to www.albertahealthservices.ca.
Redford is scheduled to visit Lethbridge at 10:30 today to view river levels and emergency planning efforts. From there, she is scheduled to visit High River and Canmore, both of which have been extremely hard hit by flooding.
The latest flood info is being updated hourly here – Alberta flooding updates
