Canada: Authorities issue evacuation orders in Wood Buffalo due to rising water levels April 26

Event

Local authorities issued mandatory evacuations and declared a secondary state of local emergency in Wood Buffalo (Alberta province) due to a high risk of flash flooding in the area on Sunday, April 26. Authorities stated that some residents living in areas surrounding the Snye, Athabasca and Clearwater rivers were at risk due to the rising water levels. Evacuation orders were issued for Taiga Nova Eco-Industrial Park and Draper community, located 12 km (7 mi) south of Fort McMurray. Additionally, local authorities issued a voluntary evacuation order for Ptarmigan Trailer Park in Fort McMurray.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather as well as power and transportation disruptions.

Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.