Emergency declared as receding flood waters reveal damage in Dawson Creek
DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — A local state of emergency has been declared in Dawson Creek, in northeastern B.C., as receding flood waters reveal the extent of damage from two days of record-setting rain.
Mayor Dale Bumstead said Friday the declaration that will remain for up to seven days gives the community access to federal and provincial assistance as it recovers from flooding that forced evacuations, destroyed or damaged bridges and washed away the CN rail line.
Environment Canada meteorologist Lisa Coldwells said 89.8 millimetres of rain fell in Dawson Creek on Wednesday.
“Records in the Dawson Creek area go back to 1926 so this was an unprecedented rainfall for daily amount,” she said Friday, when residents welcomed blue skies.