Evacuation order issued for homes along Skeena River due to danger from flooding

Residents oftwo small communities on the Skeena River in northwestern B.C., have been orderedto immediately leave their homes due toflooding.

On Thursday afternoon, the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine issued an evacuation order to all properties in Old Remo beyond the intersection of Old Remo Road and White Bottom Road and New Remo. The communitiesare about 10 kilometres southwest of Terrace.

The district also issued an evacuation alert to the Dutch Valley area west of Terrace, meaning people there should be ready to leave their homes on short notice.

Evacuation order due to surge in Skeena flow

The evacuation order came just one day after an evacuation alert was announced forOld Remo and New Remo.

The district says it issued the evacuation order becausethe Skeena Riversurged overnight after heavy rain contributed to a melting snowpack.

The authority also says the Dutch Valley area is well known for flooding associated with heavy rain and melting snow in spring.

Due to risingwater levels, School District 82 also suspended two school bus routes in Terrace onWednesday afternoon.

The Terrace area has been troubled by flooding at this time of year over the past two decades. Old Remo was flooded in 2002, 2007 and 2017, leavingroads washed out and causing the evacuation of dozens of homes.

What evacueesneed to know

The district asks people ordered to leaveOld Remo and New Remo to register atthe Thornhill Community Centre at 3091 Century Street in Thornhill, B.C.,about five kilometres east of Terrace. Evacuees can also call 250-641-2443.

The district recommends peopletake the following stepsbefore evacuation:

• Shut off all gas and electrical appliances except refrigerators and freezers.
• Close all windows and doors.
• Close gates but don't lock.
• Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation.
• Take critical items such as medicine, purse, wallet, and keys only if they are immediately available.
• Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
• Don't use the telephone unless you need emergency service.