More Alberta communities were evacuated last week after rising rivers spilled into towns and villages.
Almost 200 residents of Fort Vermilion and the Tall Creek South reserve in northern Alberta had to vacate. Earlier in the week, some residents of Fort McMurray and Peace River were forced from their homes.
“Our major concern is how to save lives and make sure people aren’t injured,” said Ron Wolsey, executive director of Disaster Services Branch with Alberta Transportation.
In Peace River, where residents are mopping up, about 54 businesses have applied for disaster relief offered by the government.
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“We’ll pay whatever it takes to get them back on their feet, up to a maximum $100,000,” said Wolsey.
Farms have also been damaged in floods this spring, caused by rain and melting snow. Andy Trudeau of Falher watched as water slowly inched through his yard and into his shop.
“I’ve never seen it this high,” said Trudeau.
He was forced to make a bridge from old telephone poles to reach the road. Fields around his farm turned into lakes.
Wolsey said some farms will be eligble for disaster relief, but crops left out in the field from last fall aren’t eligible because they are considered insurable.
