State of Local Emergency Declared

Monday, June 04, 2007 03:09 PM

The City of Prince George has declared a state of local emergency for three areas of the CIty of Prince George.

To be specific, the areas are:

Paddle Wheel Park,
River Road,
PulpMill Road

In an update this afternoon from the River Forecast Centre, Allan Chapman with the River Forecast Centre says the level of the Fraser will continue to rise, and there is a potential for the "largest flow ever recorded." The record flow was 10.3 metres in 1972, but Allan Chapman says the rainfall expected later today and tomorrow, could push that level to match or surpass that record high flood level.

Prince George is not alone.

Terrace: Sand bagging is already underway in Terrace. The Skeena is already spilling its banks in some areas.

The Nass is also set to flood, and Chapman says the Bulkley could hit a record flood level.

North Thompson: Will be above flood stage tomorrow, and while it will likely cause flooding along areas where this is no diking, the good news is that the risk of flooding on the North Thompson will be ovr the end of this week.

Lower Mainland: Risk of water spilling over the dikes is low. It is expected that the dikes will hold. PEP says there may be seepage problems, but areas unprotected by dikes are at higher risk. The flood risk in the lower mainland will not be over until the end of June.

Provincial Emergency Program reps say while it may be tempting to want to go to look at the rising water levels, people need to be aware that banks are not stable, and it would be easy to slip into the fast flowing waters, or to see the bank give-way. " It is imperative that people stay away from the river banks" says Jim White, Operations Manager for PEP "Our primary concern is for the well being of residents, and they need to know the river banks are not safe."

The declaration by the City of Prince George would allow the City to take three further steps. Namely, control traffic through an area, construct dikes, or, if necessary, order an evacuation. Prince George City Clerk Don Schaffer is responsible for all communications on this emergency and he says so far no evacuations have been ordered. Schaffer says residents are to be reminded the Cottonwood Island Park is closed, and he advises people stay clear of the park .

Schaffer says if residents need any further information, call City Hall at 561-7600.

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