Alberta government responds to flooding

EDMONTON – Alberta Premier Alison Redford released a statement Thursday afternoon regarding the severe flooding in Southern Alberta and the effect it’s having on dozens of communities.

“I’ve been following today’s events with great concern, and my heart goes out to the many Albertans who have been evacuated due to the floods that are affecting much of Southern and Central Alberta today. I strongly encourage everyone to follow the public safety orders of their municipalities. If you are being ordered to evacuate, please do so for your own safety.

“My deepest thanks to all the volunteers, and municipal and provincial officials who have been coordinating emergency operations efforts, both on the ground and in the emergency operations centre. I know the Alberta Emergency Management Agency is coordinating the government’s response and officials will be working around the clock to manage the situation and keep Albertans safe,” she said in a statement.

“I plan to visit the affected areas as soon as possible on Friday to see the situation first hand and to thank those who have been working so hard at keeping every one safe.””

Meanwhile, the province is working with local authorities to help those affected by the heavy rainfall and flooding in the south eastern regions of Alberta.

“Our thoughts are with all of the Albertans and emergency responders in these communities,” said Municipal Affairs Minister Doug Griffiths. “We are doing everything we can to support local responses to the flooding and are prepared to assist wherever necessary.”

The province confirms Minister Griffiths is on his way to High River and Minister Weadick and Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk are heading to Lethbridge.

The government is asking anyone in the areas where flooding and heavy rainfall is occurring to:

• Listen to local media reports and follow instructions from RCMP and local officials.
• Signup to receive emergency alerts from Alberta Emergency Alert at www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca
• Avoid any rivers or streams in their communities.

Currently, the government activity includes:

• Alberta Emergency Management Agency has elevated the Provincial Operations Centre to Level 3 and is coordinating the government response to this emergency.
• Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development is monitoring river levels and weather conditions. Alerts will be issued as necessary.
• Alberta Transportation is closely monitoring the conditions of provincial highways and managing a number of closures.
• Alberta Health is coordinating with Alberta Health Services to review the status of all health facilities and resources in the region.
• Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation is working to ensure the safety of all visitors currently in provincial parks and backcountry in the affected regions.
• Alberta Energy is monitoring impacts and potential impacts to oil and gas operations, and coordinating responses with the Alberta Energy Regulator.
• Alberta Human Services is closely monitoring the availability of services at or delivered through regional offices and service providers in affected areas.
• Alberta Education is closely monitoring schools for closures. The safety of students, teachers and staff is the highest priority and new dates or exceptions can be made for impacted provincial exams. Please check with your local board for the most up to date information.

Motorists should dial 511, follow @511Alberta on Twitter or visit www.511.alberta.ca for up-to-date information about highway conditions and closures.

For information about affected parks visit the Alberta Parks advisories web page.

More information is available at www.alberta.ca