Rescue crews are working into the night to help residents stuck in the flooding in the Sumas Prairie area of Abbotsford amid what officials are calling life-threatening and catastrophic conditions.
The city doubled down on its evacuation order Tuesday night due to the imminent failure of the Barrowtown Pump Station, which essentially pumps out or blocks water from filling what once was the Sumas Lake.
Residents were urged to abandon their livestock and properties in order to flee to safer ground. Those unable to evacuate safely were directed to call 911 to be rescued.
ALSO READ: Sumas Lake at risk of re-forming as Fraser River prompts ‘catastrophic’ flooding in Abbotsford
North Shore Rescue and Talon helicopters, after a busy day rescuing those stranded in Merritt and Spences Bridge, were in the area helping with aerial extractions.
NSR, one of the busiest searh and rescue teams in Canada, said in a post on social media that they are using night-vision goggles, a pilot that was launched in December 2020.
In a separate statement, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said he has requested Canadian Armed Forces support.
An update from Mayor Henry Braun and local officials is expected for 7:30 a.m. Wednesday.
ALSO READ: Abbotsford at ‘beginning of a big fight’ in flooding situation, says mayor
@ashwadhwani
ashley.wadhwani@bpdigital.ca
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Want to support local journalism? Make a donation here.