The District of Sparwood has declared a state of local emergency amid ongoing heavy rainfall in the Elk Valley.
A number of properties are potentially threatened by rising waters, with four areas listed:
- 100 Aspen Drive (Mountainview Mobile Home Park)
- 9555 Hwy 43 (Lower Lodgepole Mobile Home Park)
- Some properties on GN Road
- 1200 Matevic Rd
The properties are along Michel Creek, Wilson Creek, and the Elk River.
The district has declared a local state of emergency, and issued an evacuation alert for the properties listed due to flooding and potential danger to life.
Full information on the evacuation alert is available on the District of Sparwood website, here.
“Both Michel Creek and the Elk River are rising quickly and rain is suppose to continue through tonight and into tomorrow,” said Sparwood Mayor David Wilks.
“Please stay away from river banks as they can be undermined and pose a great danger. Public Works will be working hard to ensure storm drains are clear of debris. Both Sparwood Fire Department and Sparwood Search and Rescue will monitoring water levels.”
An evacuation alert requires residents be ready to leave their homes on short notice by preparing go-bags which inbclude several days of clothing, toiletries and medication, as well as important documents and mememtos. It is not an evacuation order, which requires residents leave immediately.
The Elk Valley region is currently under a rainfall warning from Environment Canada, and a flood warning from the BC River Forecast Centre.
Rainfall is expected to continue overnight and into Tuesday.
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scott.tibballs@thefreepress.ca
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