More support from the Canadian Armed Forces is on the way to assist in evacuation efforts for people trapped by B.C.’s catastrophic floods.
Defence Minister Anita Anand said in a Tweet Wednesday (Nov. 17) that personnel and resources will be deployed to B.C. in response to a request for aid from the provincial government.
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Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Bill Blair added that the military will provide air support to assist in evacuations, as well as supporting supply chain routes, and protecting residents against floods and landslides. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau added that additional military personnel will be “on the ground as soon as possible”.
In response to extreme flooding across Southern BC, we have approved the deployment of @CanadianForces air support personnel to assist with evacuation efforts, support supply chain routes, and protect residents against floods and landslides.
— Bill Blair (@BillBlair) November 17, 2021
The military has already assisted in evacuating 311 people and 27 animals from a landslide on Highway 7 near Agassiz.
A job well done by @RCAF_ARC’s 442 Transport & Rescue Squadron. Using 3 CH149 helicopters and supported by a CC115 Buffalo, the Sqn evacuated 311 people, 26🐕 and a🐈 to safety in Agassiz after being trapped by landslides on roads in BC. @CFOperations @MARPAC_FMARP @BCGovNews pic.twitter.com/TXPPR7ih9a
— RCAF Operations (@RCAFOperations) November 16, 2021
B.C. has declared a state of emergency due to the flooding. According to the province, 17,775 people have been evacuated, with 5,918 properties on evacuation order and 3,632 properties on evacuation alert.
Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland remain cut off from the rest of the province as all major highway routes are currently closed due to mudslides and flooding. Work is under way to assess and re-open critical infrastructure, though there are few timelines as to when that work will be completed.
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@SchislerCole
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