Flood Update 3 P.M. June 21 Posted Date: 6/21/2013 3:30 PM Medicine Hat – A Local State of Emergency was declared in Medicine Hat as of 1 p.m. today. The Emergency Operations Centre is operational. According to Environment water flows on the South Saskatchewan are expected to crest between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. tomorrow, June 22, 2013. The primary focus is on the protection of life, therefore the primary objectives are to protect water and power supplies, mandatory evacuations of vulnerable areas and the protection of critical services and infrastructure. Residents in low lying areas need to prepare and plan for evacuation. Residents in the Flats (from 2nd Street to Spencer Street and from Kingsway Avenue to Iron Avenue) as well as homes along the river including Harris Street SW, and 1st Street NE (from Division Avenue to Parkview Close) should start preparing for evacuation. The mandatory evacuation zone is anticipated to include approximately 3,800 homes and 10,000 residents. An evacuation reception centre and volunteer coordination centre have been established at the Medicine Hat College. Mandatory evacuation notices will delivered door to door, starting at 3 p.m. today. Power will be disconnected to the affected areas as late as possible. Bus transportation to the evacuation centre will be provided as required. It is our objective to have all residents in the affected areas relocated as of 10:00 p.m. Due to the anticipated water levels, sandbagging is likely not to be effective; therefore there will be no sandbagging of homes and businesses. A berm is being constructed around the electric generation and water treatment facilities. Large sandbags may be prepared around some critical City infrastructure. To protect the water supply, water restrictions are in place. Residents of Medicine Hat, Redcliff, Cypress County, Dunmore, Veinerville, and Dessert Blume are asked to limit water use to essential needs. No lawn maintenance at this time. Click here for details. There is a likelihood of road and bridge closures. Municipal Works is currently assessing which roads and bridges will be affected and is preparing a traffic accommodation plan. A notification of which roads and bridges will be affected and when they will be affected will be provided once known. If required, essential services will be stationed on both sides of the South Saskatchewan River as required. Affected parks, trails and recreational facilities will be closed immediately. Residents are asked to stay away from river and creek banks. Flood Information Line 403-502-8900. Volunteer Coordination Centre 403-525-2661
Posted on: Fri, 21 Jun 2013 21:53:45 +0000
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