Some Abbotsford residents allowed back home, evacuation alert remains

Some of the people from Abbotsford who were forced from their homes due to rising waters have been allowed to return, and with the floodgates fully opened, the city is hopeful water levels will continue to lower so more can return.

On Monday, an evacuation order was downgraded to an alert for homes and businesses north of Highway 1 between Sumas Way and Whatcom Road, after rapid damage assessments were completed.

UPDATE NOV 22 12:30PM -The Evacuation Order has been downgraded to an Alert for Sumas Prairie North of Highway 1 between Sumas Way and Whatcom Road.

Residents can now go back into this area. Please be aware that you may be evacuated again if the situation escalates. pic.twitter.com/pWrPUvtkXg

— City of Abbotsford (@City_Abbotsford) November 22, 2021

“These assessments advise whether or not the structure of a home or business is safe to reenter or if additional work is required before it is safe to enter,” Mayor Henry Braun explained.

“Each building has a placard on the front door to advise them of their assessment results as well as information on who to call for additional supports.”

Braun notes they haven’t been able to assess many areas of Sumas Prairie that remain under an evacuation order.

“I know people are eager to return to their homes and businesses however of the top importance is that we ensure they can do so as safely as possible.”

The floodgates at the Barrowtown Pump Station fully opened over the weekend, allowing water to flow straight from the Sumas River into the Fraser River.

You may have a red, yellow or green placard on your building. For more information on RDA’s and what they mean visit:https://t.co/Myf6kXG1FA

— City of Abbotsford (@City_Abbotsford) November 22, 2021

Crews worked through the night to repair the Sumas River dikes both below and above water. The mayor says two teams are working 24 hours a day at the South Sumas dike, which is a critical part of the repairs.

“With all of these efforts, we saw water levels drop on the Sumas Lake bottom a total of seven inches since the dike breach was sealed yesterday,” Braun said Monday.

Members of the military are in Abbotsford helping farmers with feed delivery, looking for weaknesses along the dike, and cleaning culverts. While structural and geotechnical engineers have been assessing bridges, roads, and culverts, Braun says water levels need to lower even further to get most of the work done.

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He says the city is working with the province on recovery efforts and supports for farmers.

“I’ve received notes from farmers who are incredibly grateful for how the agricultural community pulled together and we saw that with farmers helping farmers. That’s what farmers do. But amongst this gratitude is also a deep sadness for the losses faced by friends, family, and community members.”

A boil-water advisory remains in effect  for Sumas Prairie and water levels must drop further to support repairs, Braun said Sunday. With Abbotsford still very much in the thick of flood response, the city has announced its local state of emergency will be in effect through Nov. 29.

“While each day we are starting to see more glimmers of hope and good news, we are still a long way from being out of danger.”

With files from Hana Mae Nassar