The City of Abbotsford has downgraded the remaining 11 properties on Evacuation Order to Evacuation Alert and has rescinded the existing Evacuation Alerts for 474 properties in Sumas Prairie.
As the floodwater has receded and the BC River Forecast Centre has downgraded the Sumas River from Flood Warning to High Stream Flow Advisory, all residents in Sumas Prairie can safely return to their properties.
Rapid Damage Assessments were carried out on homes within the evacuation area observed to be impacted by the floodwaters prior to lifting the Orders. In total, 341 homes were assessed as green, meaning re-entry of the building is permitted, and 28 were assessed as yellow, meaning access to the structure is restricted, subject to varying conditions.
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. Resources and guidance for residents are available on the Return Home information page.
As all current Evacuation Orders have been lifted, the Reception Centre at the Abbotsford Recreation Centre is closing as of 4 p.m. today and will be operating remotely. Residents who need assistance with existing Emergency Support Services (ESS) can contact the ESS Director at 604-607-3408.
There are still a few road closures in place and drivers are reminded to follow traffic control signage. Complete road closure information can be found at www.abbotsford.ca/roadclosures.
Staff in the Emergency Operations Centre will continue to monitor river levels, dikes, roads and weather conditions over the coming days and the City will continue to provide updates to residents as new information becomes available 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