PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – A flood threat has caused Prince George to declare a state of local emergency.
The city says 17 residences near the Fraser River are being evacuated because of rising water levels.
People in those homes are being asked to leave the area immediately, and are being provided with transportation assistance if required. The city’s fire officials and RCMP are be co-ordinating the evacuation.
The B.C. River Forecast centre has issued a flood warning for Prince George, saying the part of the Fraser River which runs through the city is expected to peak Friday.
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The city will be installing 900 meters of temporary diking in the form of gabion baskets in the evacuated area. The baskets are a quick-diking system that use foldable wire-mesh containers which can be filled with sand to fight floods.
The local state of emergency affects the areas of Farrell Street, Houston Lane and Lower Lansdowne Road.
Residents who are being evacuated are being asked to close all windows, doors and gates, shut off all gas and electrical appliances and take critical items like medication and wallets only if they’re immediately accessible.
They’re also being asked to register with the city and will be provided with food and shelter if required. The Prince George City Hall Annex has been turned into a reception centre.
City officials are reminding residents to stay well back from the river banks due to the possibility of hidden erosion, and are also warning against recreational activity along the waterway.
The city has also closed Cottonwood Island Park and parts of the Heritage River Trails (from Cameron Street Bridge to Fort George Park) due to rising water levels.
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