The City of Abbotsford has downgraded Evacuation Orders for 248 properties in Sumas Prairie. These properties remain on Evacuation Alert at this time. As a Flood Warning remains in effect for Sumas River, and heavy rain is expected tomorrow, residents on Evacuation Alert should remain prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice, should conditions change.
Properties impacted by this change are in the eastern portion of the existing Evacuation Order from Sumas Dike/Marion Road west to most properties accessible from Whatcom Road and most properties south of the Sumas River. The change also includes all properties north of Sumas Dike from Lakeview Street to Barrowtown. These properties are only accessible from No. 3 Road at this time due to road closures.
The following properties north of Highway 1 are also downgraded from Evacuation Order to Evacuation Alert:
- 1920 North Parallel Road (businesses in Parallel Marketplace)
- 36263 North Parallel Road
- 36299 North Parallel Road
- 2221 Fooks Road
- 35995 North Parallel Road
Evacuation Orders remain in place for 77 properties and 408 properties remain under Evacuation Alert. The interactive map, which is searchable by address, has been updated to show the status of all properties in the evacuation area, indicating whether they are under Order or Alert.
Rapid Damage Assessments were done on homes observed to be impacted by the floodwaters in the lifted Evacuation Order area by City of Abbotsford staff and Canada Task Force 1 to ensure that people returning home can do so safely. Rapid Damage Assessments advise whether or not the structure of a home is safe to re-enter or if additional work is required before it is safe to do so. Homes that required assessment have a placard to advise them of their assessment results and where to call for additional support should it be required. Placard categories include:
- Green: Re-entry permitted, at your discretion, if the building is not located within an Evacuation Order area.
- Yellow: Access is restricted subject to varying conditions. Further information is provided on the placard.
- Red: Do not enter the building unless authorization has been granted by the appropriate authorities.
Of the properties downgraded from an Evacuation Order to an Evacuation Alert that required a Rapid Damage Assessment, 278 homes were assessed as green, 9 home was assessed as yellow and no homes were assessed as red. Assessments were done on the outer structure of homes only, not the inside or other buildings on the property, such as sheds or barns. Upon returning to their property, residents may want to have their home and other structures further assessed with support of their insurer.
If a home does not have a placard and is not located in the current Evacuation Order, residents are permitted to reenter at their discretion.
With residents’ continued safety in mind, the City has launched our Return Home information page to support those returning to their homes and businesses. The page is meant to provide residents with information and guidance in the days following their return home as they turn to agencies, insurers and other levels of government for support. Residents can email floodrecovery@abbotsford.ca with general flood recovery questions and call 604-504-4049 with building assessment inquiries.
The Emergency Operations Centre remains active, and staff will continue closely monitoring river levels, dikes, and roads. We also continue to closely monitor upcoming weather conditions as more rain is predicted in the coming week. If subsequent evacuation is necessary, a new alert or order will be issued.
The City of Abbotsford will continue to provide updates to residents at www.abbotsford.ca and on City social media channels.
For more information contact:
Aletta Vanderheyden
Communications and Public Relations Manager
City of Abbotsford
E: media@abbotsford.ca