States of emergency and continued flooding in Alberta
Posted Jun 18, 2010 9:13 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Some people are calling it the worst flooding they’ve seen in years.
A number of areas have declared states of emergency including Coaldale, Lethbridge and Cardston Counties and the Blood Reserve.
Sections of the tiny Hamlet of Irvine, east of Medicine Hat are flooded after the river flooded its banks. Ten people have abandoned their homes and some have been rescued by boats or helicopters.
Some officials say they haven’t seen flooding like this in 30 years.
On the south Saskatchewan River, all tributaries are under a flood advisory.
Closer to home, the Calgary Fire Department is advising against rafting on the Bow River this weekend.
The Elbow River has more than doubled its rate of flow since June 15th and the Bow is expected to do the same over the coming days.
Barry Dawson with the Calgary Fire Department says high water levels make the rivers very powerful, unpredictable and potentially difficult to navigate.
He says if people are still drawn to the rivers this weekend, make sure to wear a life jacket if venturing into the water.
