Chetwynd, B.C., declares state of local emergency over heavy rains

Major highways in northeastern B.C. also remain closed due to flooding and washouts.

Chetwynd and Dawson Creek appeared to be hardest hit while flood watches were posted for waterways near Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, Tumbler Ridge and Pine Pass.

Bumstead said they don’t believe any of the 60 homes evacuated yesterday have been destroyed, but the biggest challenge going forward will be repairing the many roads that were damaged or destroyed.

He says one street in the city of roughly 12,000 people will be closed until further notice, while other roads are being assessed and some have reopened.

While neighbouring Chetwynd declared a state of local emergency Wednesday, Dawson Creek has not. A Dawson Creek flood update.

Northern British Columbia continues to be pummelled by rain and plagued by flooding Thursday morning, with the north and south sides of Dawson Creek completely separated by water.

With the city’s fire hall located in the north and hospital in the south, city and emergency officials focused on maintaining access for residents to services, said Mayor Dale Bumstead.

The risky goods route is reportedly the only road open connecting the two sides of town, and is being used by BC ambulance to transport people on the north side to the hospital.

The weather system bringing precipitation into the area has sparked a rainfall warning for B.C.’s Interior and parts of Alberta.

Bumstead said there have been no reports of injuries, with the bulk of the damage affecting roads and infrastructure.

Environment Canada’s rainfall warning remains in effect for the region.

Mayor Merlin Nichols issued the declaration Wednesday after about 100 millimetres of rain drenched the town of about 3,000 people, 100 kilometres west of Dawson Creek.