Abbotsford opens Emergency Operations Centre for flooding evacuees
Posted November 14, 2021 7:42 pm.
Last Updated November 16, 2021 12:44 pm.
The City of Abbotsford has opened an Emergency Operations Centre for residents who can’t return to their houses due to flooding and heavy rainfall.
Abbotsford Recreation Centre at 2499 McMillan Road is welcoming evacuated parties until it’s safe for them to go home.
The City of Abbotsford has setup a Reception Centre located at the Abbotsford Recreation Centre (ARC) 2499 McMillian Road for any evacuated parties. If you can’t return home or have been evacuated please head there. #communitymatters pic.twitter.com/NsJvhmiTC4
— Abbotsford Police Department (@AbbyPoliceDept) November 15, 2021
Constable Paul Walker with the Abbotsford Police Department says the facility will stay open “indefinitely” until the weather eases.
Video out of Abbotsford. Catt was out with friends for a birthday when flooding suddenly began. They ditched plans to see the @abbycanucks and instead began filling sandbags once their friend’s home began flooding. “This is the most extreme flooding I’ve ever seen” @CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/Y1ogZT9Hbo
— Tarnjit Kaur Parmar (@Tarnjitkparmar) November 15, 2021
Related Articles:
-
Rain, flooding wreak havoc on B.C. roads, Abbotsford opens emergency centre
-
WATCH: B.C. soaked with non-stop rain, highways hampered by closures
Walker says he's unsure how many people have been evacuated, but there are 40-50 homes in the Dawson Road area, about 12 in the Eagle Mountain area, and two in the Glen Mountain area that are heavily affected by the rain.
There have been no reported injuries.
Crews are on site and working on making contact with anyone else who needs help, Walker adds.
Roadways and hills are most affected, as well as areas by rivers, he says.
AbbyPD is aware of small mudslides / Washouts that have occurred on Eagle Mountain (12 Properties are affected), Glen Mountain ( 2 Properties affected), & Dawson Road (40-50 Properties are affected) Crews are on scene and Assessments are in progress. No injuries reported
— Abbotsford Police Department (@AbbyPoliceDept) November 15, 2021
In the centre, visitors can talk to Emergency Services, visit a warming centre, or talk to a representative about their unique accommodation needs.
“There will be a larger set-up for people to get coffee and refreshments there,” said Walker. “Each individual will have slightly different needs, and those will be accommodated as best as we can.”
Walker urges people to monitor the Abbotsford Police Department’s social media for timely updates, but assures them the opening of the centre is no cause for concern.
“I would say not to be worried at this time. I would assure the public we have adequate resources,” he said. “We’re getting this going out early as a proactive measure to ensure that we’re ahead of it and on top of it."
AbbyPD has additional resources called into assist tonight. All affected areas within the City of Abbotsford are currently being monitored by City Crews. Please continue to monitor social media for updates as conditions change. No reported injuries at this time.
— Abbotsford Police Department (@AbbyPoliceDept) November 15, 2021
All affected areas within the City of Abbotsford are currently being monitored by City Crews. The police called in additional resources to assist later in the evening.
