Vancouver 
British Columbia has declared a state of emergency to effectively deal with the widespread damage due to devastating floods and landslides caused by torrential rains over the past few days.
Highway 1 in Abbotsford under water/B.C. Ministry of Transportation
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth made the declaration on Wednesday afternoon. The state of emergency will initially be in effect for 14 days and can be extended or rescinded as necessary.
Premier John Horgan said, “Provincial, federal and local governments are working with emergency personnel to make sure people and communities get the help they need as they work through yet another natural disaster. This provincial declaration of emergency will ensure the transport of goods, and essential and emergency services.”
The federal government is sending air force personnel and resources to the province to assist with the rescue effort.
BC Highway 5 – Coquihalla at Juliet/B.C. Ministry of Transportation
Whatcom Road Interchange/B.C. Ministry of Transportation
Highway 8 washout/B.C. Ministry of Transportation
Highway 1 at No. 3 Rd near Chilliwack/B.C. Ministry of Transportation
“Our focus is on clearing, repairing and reopening roads to connect the Interior and the North to the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, to get our supply chains moving,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
The torrential rains which began on November 14th have impacted much of southern British Columbia including Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.
According to the news release, approximately 17,775 people were evacuated due to impacts from the flooding, with 5,918 properties on Evacuation Order, and 3,632 properties on Evacuation Alert.
A list of current flood warnings is listed at River Forecast Centre and evacuation orders and alerts are listed at Emergency Information B.C.
