The Town of Drumheller issued a mandatory evacuation order for everyone in the community of Wayne and along Highway 10X Monday evening.
The order — which came down at 6:42 p.m. — was sparked by high water in the Rosebud River.
A high water level alert was issued earlier Monday evening when the town declared a state of local emergency for the community of Wayne and a portion of the highway.
Members of the Drumheller fire department went door to door to notify affected residents. The mayor said residents could sign a form stating they were choosing to stay in their homes.
“All evacuated residents from Wayne and Highway 10X must register at the reception centre which is located at the Drumheller Stampede and Ag Society Building,” the emergency alert read.
A town spokesperson said about 75 people were affected by the evacuation order. Julia Fielding said the town’s priority Monday evening was getting everyone out of their homes and registered at the reception centre.
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A couple of the evacuees were put up in a hotel, while everyone else was staying with friends and family.
Shortly after 7:30 p.m., Fielding said residents would likely be out of their homes for at least 24 hours. She said crews will monitor the water levels, which they anticipate will rise about eight inches over the next 24 hours.
Officials said water levels are expected to peak at 4 a.m. Tuesday.
Another priority for the town is the 11 bridges in the area. There are concerns the bridges may be damaged by the water.
Residents are asked to watch for updates on the town’s social media and website.
They can also call (403) 823-6300 for more information.
Wayne is located about 140 kilometres east of Calgary.
READ MORE: Significant spring flooding triggers state of local emergency in Lamont County
Overland flooding alerts have been issued for several regions across Alberta, including Vulcan, Taber and Lamont County. Some regions have even issued states of local emergency.
Click here for the latest conditions from the Alberta Emergency Alert website.
— More to come…
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