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Entire Hatzic Valley put on evacuation alert by Fraser Valley Regional District

1,600 properties affected; potential danger to life and property
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“Streams are at bank-full or overflowing and slopers are saturated. Road access could get cut off by floods or minor slope failures,” the FVRD says.

The entire Hatzic Valley was put on evacuation alert by the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) last night (Nov. 28) due to the latest atmospheric river event.

The Hatzic Prairie, Miracle Valley and western parts of Dewdney are all within the evacuation-alert zone (FVRD’s Electoral Areas G and F). The alert was issued at 5:10 p.m., Nov. 28, and is affecting 1,600 properties.

“There is a risk of flooding, stream overflow, and slope movements at various locations in Hatzic Valley,” the alert says.

“Streams are at bank-full or overflowing and slopers are saturated. Road access could get cut off by floods or minor slope failures.”

Evacuations are expected to be limited to properties adjacent to specific streams and slopes, according to the FVRD, but the alert covers a wide area because it’s impossible to predict where the events will occur.

Residents will be given as much preparation time as possible to evacuate should the need arise, but this is subject to changing conditions, FVRD said.

They are advising that residents living in the evacuation-alert zone need to:

  • Locate all family members, and designate a meeting area outside evacuation zone
  • Pack essentials like a government issued ID, meds, glasses, valuable papers, credit and mortgage info, emergency contact numbers, care needs of pets and dependents, and keepsakes
  • Prepare to move disabled persons (with supports), children, elderly and immobile neighbours
  • Prepare supplies, vet records, and containment for pets
  • Prepare a plan to move livestock safely
  • Arrange transport and accommodations for household, fill gas tanks
  • Wait for an evacuation order to be issued before evacuating, unless there are mobility issues
  • Monitor credible news sources for information
  • If and evacuation order is issued, they should register with Canadian Red Cross

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VIDEO: District of Hope issues state of local emergency for an evacuation along Nicolum River


@portmoodypigeon
patrick.penner@missioncityrecord.com

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