Hope, B.C. declares local state of emergency due to severe weather

The District of Hope has declared a local state of emergency due to severe weather in the B.C. community. Some residents are under an evacuation order, while others are on alert. Evacuees are being asked to register at Abbotsford Tradex or online.

Extreme weather in the area has caused destruction to property and put some of the people living there in danger.

.@DistrictofHope declares local state of emergency. Evacuees should register in person at the Abbotsford Tradex or online. The area is currently facing severe weather. Find more details here if anyone needs emerg. resources: https://t.co/dAX0BP1JPI. Details on @CityNewsVAN

— Sonia Aslam (@SoniaSAslam) November 29, 2021

“We encourage all who are in the area to stay home or in any safe shelter they have access to unless it is absolutely necessary to go elsewhere,” said district representatives.

 

With Highway 1 closed between Abbotsford and Chilliwack, the District says evacuees can leave by helicopter.

There are several temporary shelters set up in the Fraser Valley region which evacuees can use if they’re unable to find lodging elsewhere.

They include: The Hope Fitness Gym and Mountainview Brewing Co.

Schools are closed Monday as a result of the flooding.

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Related Articles: 

• Hundreds seek refuge in and around Hope as B.C. floods, mudslides cut off access

• Highway 1 between Abbotsford and Chilliwack closed again due to flooding

• Conditions in southwestern B.C. remain volatile as third storm looms

• Hope couple opens doors to family affected by floods

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“We would like to encourage you to open up any space that you have available to those without shelter,” said the district.

Hope Search and Rescue is accepting donations.

Residents in the area are encouraged to download the Alertable app for evacuation notifications and updates.

UPDATE: highway 1 between Chilliwack and Abbotsford has closed effective immediately due to flooding. No estimated time on when it will reopen, but @DriveBC says next update at 10am tomorrow, so likely will be closed at least overnight pic.twitter.com/tBxMjlsqkP

— Lasia Kretzel (@rhymeswpretzel) November 29, 2021

Vehicles left on Highway 7 have been towed to the Agassiz Recreation Hall, where they’re available for pickup with ID.

As they continue to help people struggling through the floods, the district heartily thanks its first responders and volunteers.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this article stated the Hope Rec Centre was seeking volunteers. This is no longer the case.