Evacuation alert issued for Barnston Island due to rising water on the Fraser River
Posted June 30, 2022 7:31 pm.
Last Updated June 30, 2022 7:40 pm.
Residents of Barnston Island have been given an evacuation alert due to rising water on the Fraser River.
The island, located between Surrey and Pitt Meadows, received the alert Thursday and its approximately 150 residents are told to prepare to leave.
Metro Vancouver says that is only a precaution but people on the island should still prepare for the worst.
“Access to Barnston Island is now restricted to residents, businesses, and those with a family connection. Barnston Island Regional Park is also closed,” says a Metro Vancouver statement.
Due to rapidly rising floodwaters from the #FraserRiver, @MetroVancouver has issued an #EvacuationAlert for #BarnstonIsland. This is a precautionary measure – island residents should prepare for a potential evacuation. #BCflood https://t.co/2A0rPEDweN
— MVRD Emergency Services (@metrovanemerg) June 30, 2022
The BC River Forecast Centre, Environment Canada, and Emergency Management BC all are predicting increased river flows over the next several days, due to snow melt and rainfall.
Residents of Barnston Island who have questions about the evacuation alert can contact Metro Vancouver’s Information Centre by phone, 604-432-6200.
