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Evacuation centre opened at Elkford Fire Hall
An Emergency Operation Centre has been activated and has a full complement of people ready to respond if flooding conditions should worsen in the District of Elkford. Emergency Social Services has established an evacuation centre located at the Elkford Fire Hall.
A State of Local Emergency was declared in Elkford last night (June 20), as a result of over 130 mm of rainfall in the previous 24 hours, and continued rain today that is keeping river levels high and at times still rising and causing increased flooding in and around Elkford along Highway 43. The Regional District of East Kootenay has also issued a State of Local Emergency for Electoral Area A and the City of Fernie is close to doing the same.
The Elk River has crested over the dike south of the Elk River Bridge on the Fording River Highway and is flooding along the east side of Highway 43. The Elk River Forest Service and the Round Prairie Forest Service Roads north of Elkford have also been washed out in sections and are closed.
Emergency personnel are stationed at these access roads to stop traffic from proceeding north. Continued monitoring of the bridges and water levels along the Elk River and Boivin Creek will continue throughout the day. Appropriate detours have been established and an evacuation order has been issued for areas affected.
Heavy equipment has been deployed to address sediment and debris buildup at the Boivin Creek entrance to the Elk River. One family was evacuated late last night and one family of (two) remains. They are safe and we are in contact with this family. Access to their home has been washed out. Should conditions worsen we have a plan in place to helicopter them out to safety.
An Emergency Operation Centre has been activated and has a full complement of people ready to respond if conditions should worsen. Emergency Social Services has established an evacuation centre located at the Elkford Fire Hall, 2300 Balmer Drive. Information for evacuees can be obtained by calling 250-603-9934.
The Elk Valley Highway is closed to all but dangerous goods between Balmer Drive and Alpine Way North. Traffic is being detoured via Balmer Drive and Alpine Way.
Community updates will continue to be provided on the District of Elkford website and Facebook page. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
e-KNOW/District of Elkford
