(Vancouver) Relentless precipitation in the eastern Fraser Valley has caused flooding, landslides and rocks, mudslides and closed roads to and from the southern interior of Colombia -British.
Environment Canada said 225mm of rain had fallen since Saturday in the community of Hope and 180mm around Agassiz and Chilliwack.
The Kent district, which includes Agassiz, declared a local state of emergency after landslides cut off Route 7. Maintenance crews said they were forced to wait until daybreak. Monday to confirm reports of vehicles stuck on the roads.
Flood warnings and watches have been issued for areas from Merritt to the US border, the lower Fraser region and sections of southern Vancouver Island.
Evacuation orders
Flooding rivers and landslides also triggered evacuation orders in Merritt, Agassiz, Abbotsford and Princeton, where a levee broke Monday morning, forcing residents of around 200 properties to leave their homes. In Merritt, flood waters from the river overwhelmed the town’s water supply system and residents were ordered to “immediately cease” all water use.
Meteorologists predict that an additional 50mm of rain could flood the eastern Fraser Valley. Rain, snow and wind warnings covered most of the southern third of the province.
The City of Abbotsford opened a shelter on Sunday for residents who could not return home or who were evacuated due to mudslides or flooding in several locations.
Environment Canada predicted that rain along the coast and snow in the east would not end until Monday. Approximately 50 cm covered Route 1 through Rogers Pass and another 25 cm was expected.