Abbotsford city officials urge immediate evacuation of Sumas Prairie area due to 'imminent' pump failure
CBC
Officials in Abbotsford, B.C., are urging all residents who were told to evacuate the Sumas Prairie earlier today to leave immediately saying current conditions pose "a significant risk to life."
In a release issued at 7:25 p.m., city officials says conditions have deteriorated significantly in the past hour because of the imminent failure of the Barrowtown Pump Station. The station is the only thing keeping excess water flow from the Fraser River from entering the flooded area.
"This event is anticipated to be catastrophic," the release read, urging residents who who can't evacuate safely to call 911 with their location.
Earlier Tuesday, officials in Abbotsford and Chilliwack have issued new evacuation orders with water levels continuing to rise in the Fraser Valley in the aftermath of extreme rain.
An expanded evacuation order was put into effect for the entire Sumas Prairie and part of Sumas First Nation in Abbotsford, while Chilliwack has issued an evacuation order for the community of Yarrow.
People who live in both areas were told to leave immediately.
"This is changing so quickly that you might think you're OK one minute and literally half an hour later you'll see the change in the water levels," said Abbotsford Police Chief Mike Serr.
Serr said emergency responders have rescued some people caught in rapidly rising flood water off the roofs of their cars.
WATCH | Abbotsford's police chief describes dangerous rescues:
The expanded evacuation zone for Sumas Prairie is bordered by Sumas Mountain, Delair Road and Old Yale Road to the north, the U.S border to the south, east to the Chilliwack city border and west to Ridge West of Railway Road.
Evacuees are asked to check in at the emergency support service reception centre at the Fraser Valley Trade and Exhibition Centre (TRADEX).
Yarrow residents are asked to register at the reception centre set up at the Neighbourhood Learning Centre at Chilliwack Secondary School.
Due to the highway closures and limited hotel availability, evacuees are being encouraged to stay with family and friends.
Meanwhile, all schools in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Hope and Mission were closed Tuesday, along with all campuses of the University of the Fraser Valley.
This First Person column is the experience of Shannon Flaman, who lives in Red Deer, Alta. For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please see the FAQ.
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