The Canadian military is ready to respond to help flood-ravaged communities in British Columbia like Chilliwack.
“Yes they will,” Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove said at a press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 17, but added he did not know when.
The promise of federal aid for British Columbia, such as transporting evacuees, was made in a Tweet by Defense Minister Anita Anand. This was confirmed in a conversation Popove had with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday evening, he said.
At this point, the only part of Chilliwack still at risk of further flooding is Yarrow.
It is the situation at the Barrowtown pumping station in Abbotsford that continues to threaten Yarrow with further flooding, and that is why the evacuation order is still in effect.
“At this point, flooding from Sumas Prairie to Yarrow is limited, but staff continue to review the condition of the Nooksack River, local drainage systems and the Barrowtown pumping station,” Popove said.
City staff are currently analyzing the possible impacts of flooding should the Barrowtown Pumping Station fail, particularly how this would affect Yarrow.
“For now, the evacuation order remains in effect for the community of Yarrow and Majuba Hill,” the mayor said.
While the Barrowtown Pumping Station is a highlight of Abbotsford, it is currently only accessible from the Chilliwack side, allowing more than 200 Chilliwack volunteers to help with the bagging efforts on Tuesday night.
City staff and volunteers built a 25-meter-long sandbag wall to protect the pumping station. Local business owners and entrepreneurs also donated time, equipment and materials to help protect the site.
“The incredible efforts of Chilliwack residents and staff had a significant impact on the flooding efforts last night,” Popove said. “In an emergency it is important for neighbors to help each other out, and that is exactly what Chilliwack did for Abbotsford throughout this emergency.
Although located in Abbotsford, the Barrowtown Pumping Station plays an important role in flood protection in the Yarrow area.
“City of Chilliwack staff will continue to closely monitor the condition of the Barrowtown Pumping Station as if it stops functioning water levels will rise and cause additional flooding in Sumas Prairie and Yarrow. “
The Chilliwack Emergency Operations Center will continue to monitor the situation closely and communicate with other local and provincial authorities.
Residents are reminded that the evacuation order is still in effect for Yarrow and Majuba Hill and that access to these areas will only be allowed for emergency personnel. The RCMP continue to patrol the area.
Motorists are urged to continue to obey road closures and drive carefully, as many still have standing water or debris.
Updates will be at chilliwack.com/FloodWatch as information becomes available.
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