News | DrumhellerMail - Page #2530
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Last updateThu, 03 Oct 2024 12pm

RCMP stepping up security

 

    As the river continues to rise towards it peak, the RCMP is taking no chances and stepping up security.

   A 5 p.m. report shows the Red Deer River flowing at 1,332 cubic metres per second and it is expected to peak later this evening. Staff Sergeant Art Hopkins wants everyone in their homes at that time.

    “As most people are aware Drumheller is presently experiencing flood conditions and a local state of emergency has been declared,” said Hopkins. “Areas of evacuation were identified and residents were notified.  Many persons have left the area and we have stepped up patrols in most communities.”

     He said by 10:00 p.m. tonight, all residents in these areas must be in their houses or left the area. 

    “Any persons found walking around will be arrested and removed.  This is to ensure the security of the residences that are unoccupied as well as the residents who refused to leave,” he said. "Persons requiring to leave their residences for lawful purposes will not be arrested  detained or required to go back home. If you are not in these areas for a lawful purpose, you will be detained, possibly escorted out of the area, or taken elsewhere to a lawful location."

The river is expected to peak close to midnight.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Flood Update: Water levels consistent with 2005

 

submitted

The following is an update after the 11:00 Emergency Operations Center Briefing:
Current river flow is 1150 m3 which is consistent with our 2005 levels
Sandbagging has also been set up at East Coulee Community Center
The Reception center reported 5 residents spending the evening at the center. The majority of evacuees appear to be using alternate locations.
The Drumheller Health Center has evacuated acute care and continuing care patients. Emergency Services are still open to residents
Both school boards have confirmed there will be no classes tomorrow. 
Atco Electric indicates the only power that has been turned off is Nacmine Campground
RCMP is requesting residents remain indoors after 10:00 PM tonight to keep roads open for emergency personnel only as they prepare for the river cresting.
The Emergency Operations Center will remain open
We will continue to provide updates throughout the day if conditions change.

River continues rise

   After a relatively quiet night, Drumheller has seen little deviation from flood projections shared by Alberta Environment on Saturday night.

   As of 3 a.m., on Sunday, water is expected to peak at roughly 1,300 cubic metres per second around midnight tonight.

   Crews continue to work on mitigation as the water creeps upward in some areas. Last night aroud 6 p.m., crews arrived in Lehigh to begin building dykes around low-lying areas. There, water was inching close to some residences. The Town also provided sand and bags to East Coulee for residents to use on their property. Overland flooding was observed near the Hoodoos.

   Mayor Terry Yemen said they have had a few breaches of the newly constructed dykes, but cautioned it is expected.

   Overnight, there were numerous manned road blocks to keep residents and property safe. Drumheller RCMP Staff Sergeant Art Hopkins felt it was relatively quiet, with very few concerns.

   There has been an increased security presence in the Valley, with 25 extra RCMP members, peace officers, and volunteers. The RCMP helicopter was in Drumheller on Saturday, where it was involved in making images of the river to aid planners and providing increased security.

   Hopkins said he expects the chopper to be back on Sunday, if it is not needed in other parts of the province.

   Residents are asked to take precautions on roadways. As crews continue mitigation work, roads will be busy with traffic.

   "We are moving an incredible amount of dirt, so things are moving fast. If you don't have to be out on the road, stay at home and stay out of the way of the teams working around town," said Yemen.

Stay tuned to www.drumhellermail.com and the Drumheller Facebook page for the latest updates, stories, photos, and videos.


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