VANCOUVER A local state of emergency has been declared in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia due to the imminent risk of flooding, landslides, and debris flows caused by a significant atmospheric river affecting the area. This emergency declaration specifically targets the southeastern corner of the Fraser Valley Regional District, near the border with the United States.
The prolonged heavy rainfall in the region has heightened concerns for public safety, threatening not only individual inhabitants but also property, infrastructure, and the environment. The emergency will remain in effect until authorities are confident that the threats to public safety have been mitigated.
The Fraser Valley has a notorious history of flooding following intense rainfall, prompting the BC River Forecast Centre to issue a flood watch for the area. This announcement comes amidst a series of atmospheric river events that have been impacting British Columbia’s coast since the previous Sunday. Specifically, Area E within the district is under two evacuation alerts that affect nearly 40 homes, with residents urged to prepare for potential immediate evacuation.
Environment Canada has expanded its rainfall warnings across various southern regions of the province, predicting that areas such as the Fraser Valley and the Metro Vancouver communities, including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge, will experience the heaviest rainfall. There is an expectation of up to 130 millimetres of rain in these locations. The weather agency has also issued warnings for other regions, including western Vancouver Island, the Fraser Canyon, Howe Sound, Whistler, and the Highway 1 corridor from Vancouver to the Alberta boundary, extending into the Kootenay region.
As of Thursday afternoon, local weather stations reported substantial rainfall accumulation: Coquitlam recorded 133 millimetres, Maple Ridge experienced 124 millimetres, and Burnaby Mountain saw 118 millimetres. In response to the severe weather conditions, emergency officials are addressing a mudslide incident in Coquitlam that has not only stranded several residents but also caused damage to nearby power lines.
Meteorologist Brian Proctor indicated that while the atmospheric river system is anticipated to move out of the area by Friday, the province will require a prolonged period of dry weather to stabilize conditions and alleviate the ongoing hazards. The urgent situation emphasizes the need for residents in vulnerable areas to stay informed and prepared as weather conditions continue to evolve in British Columbia.
