B.C. declares state of emergency due to flooding

A state of emergency has been declared in B.C. as flooding and stormy weather has created a number of challenges.

Premier John Horgan made the declaration Wednesday, saying the recent weather has forced thousands out of their homes, left many people stranded between road closures and mudslides, and damaged key roadway infrastructure.

Horgan said this disaster has created limitations for essential and emergency access and poses the risk of putting further pressure on already disrupted supply chains.

“The [state of emergency] order will preserve basic access to services and supplies for communities across the province,” said Horgan.

“We will bring in travel restrictions and ensure that transportation of essential , said while the province is taking all steps available to address the disaster, the declaration was necessary to ensure extraordinary measures could be taken in the next steps.

Horgan added that this disaster has created some panic across the province, and while he said he’s confident that supply chains can be restored quickly, he still urged British Columbians to not hoard items, saying “What you need, your neighbours need as well.”

A working group of cabinet has been established that Horgan said will create a cross-government response to the disaster and come up with solutions that best serve British Columbians.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth, said while the province is taking all steps available to address the disaster, the declaration was necessary to unsure extraordinary measures could be taken in the next steps.

“This declaration will allow us to implement any provincial emergency measures and allow access to all assets that may be necessary to prevent, respond or to alleviate the effects of an emergency,” said Farnworth.

“This may include measures to prohibit non-essential travel, to prevent hoarding, to prevent price gouging, similar to what we had to do during the COVID-19 emergency. This may also include accessing any infrastructure at the province’s disposal. In short, we will be doing everything possible.”

While a travel ban has not been put in place as of Wednesday, Farnworth did state that people should reconsider non-essential travel, saying it’s “not the time for leisure travel for leisure purposes.”

Farnworth echoed Horgan’s call for people to not hoard food, water and essential goods.

“We know people are concerned, we’re aware as government, and industry is aware,” said Farnworth.

“We need to remain calm. There are many areas where there are not disruptions and goods are able to flow.”

He noted that the Ministry of Transportation is working to get the corridor between the Lower Mainland and the Interior open as soon as possible so the supply chain can be restored, adding that the province and Emergency Management B.C. will offer assistance where it’s needed.

Horgan also said the federal government offered support Tuesday.

“The province has now formally requested that deployment of federal resources, including the armed forces, to assist with evacuations; managing of supply chains and re-supply chains; security in inundated areas; as well as restoration of safe drinking water and other logistics assistance,” said Horgan.

The premier added the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario have also offered immediate support to assist in dealing with this disaster.

Agriculture Minister Lana Popham added that the floods have devastated farms across the province, and work is being done to address animal welfare by developing routes for veterinarians to access the farms where animals are stranded and ensure they are fed and healthy.

She also noted that disaster relief funds will be made available for farmers in need of support.

The state of emergency will be in effect for 14 days, though it may be extended or rescinded if necessary.