The government of BC has declared a provincial State of Emergency in response to the extensive flooding that has impacted the Southern Interior and the Fraser Valley.
The declaration was made by Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth, early in the afternoon of Nov. 17, 2021, based on the recommendation from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and Emergency Management BC.
“This provincewide declaration will help us with the challenges ahead as we recover from the utter devastation that’s been caused by this natural disaster,” said Farnworth.
“Getting our rail and roadways back up and in operation is a top priority, and the declaration will enable us to put the resources in place to make that happen.”
The State of Emergency will be in effect for 14 days, at which point it will be extended or rescinded as necessary.
“Our focus is on clearing, repairing and reopening roads to connect the Interior and the North to the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, to get our supply chains moving,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“We are working closely with multiple partners to make this happen. It is a big job, but collectively we are up to the challenge and will get things opened up again just as soon as we possibly can.”
Approximately 17,775 people have evacuated due to the impacts of flooding in the province, with 5,918 properties on Evacuation Order and 3,632 proeprties on Evacuation Alert.
The federal government has responded to and accepted British Columbia’s requests for assistance. In the coming days, additional federal personnel and resources will be arriving in B.C. to assist.
“Provincial, federal and local governments are working with emergency personnel to make sure people and communities get the help they need as they work through yet another natural disaster,” said Premier John Horgan.
“This provincial declaration of emergency will ensure the transport of goods, and essential and emergency services. Thank you to everyone for doing what you can to stay safe and to help one another as we work through this catastrophic time.”
This is the third State of Emergency British Columbians have lived under in less than two years, with one previously being declared for the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 wildfire season.
