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British Columbia State of Emergency Declaration November 2021

Story by ALAN GRIFFIN

British Columbia declares state of emergency:

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021PSSG0073-002190

BC Government news release

Radio Amateurs of Canada has had several inquiries in regard to the emergency situation in British Columbia.

At present, we are not aware of any Amateur activities related to the flooding/landslides in BC.

The situation is expected to be stable despite the possibilities of additional rain over the next few days. Localized flooding and landslides may still occur especially due to the temporary nature of repairs this week.

It has been observed that national and international reporting may not accurately reflect the current situation especially in areas outside of the BC lower mainland.

Railroad, pipeline and limited road access is now in place in most areas.

BC Government News Release: November 17, 2021:

The British Columbia government is declaring a provincial state of emergency to mitigate impacts on transportation networks and movement of essential goods and supplies, and to support the provincewide response and recovery from the widespread damage caused by severe flooding and landslides in British Columbia.

“Provincial, federal and local governments are working with emergency personnel to make sure people and communities get the help they need as they work through yet another natural disaster. This provincial declaration of emergency will ensure the transport of goods, and essential and emergency services,” said Premier John Horgan. “Thank you to everyone for doing what you can to stay safe and to help one another as we work through this catastrophic time.”

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, made the declaration on Nov. 17, 2021, based on the recommendation from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and Emergency Management BC. The declaration will take effect immediately.

“This provincewide declaration will help us with the challenges ahead as we recover from the utter devastation that’s been caused by this natural disaster,” said Farnworth. “Getting our rail and roadways back up and in operation is a top priority, and the declaration will enable us to put the resources in place to make that happen.”

The state of emergency is initially in effect for 14 days and may be extended or rescinded as necessary. The state of emergency applies to the whole province and ensures federal, provincial and local resources can be delivered in a co-ordinated response to protect the public, which remains the provincial government’s top priority.

“Our focus is on clearing, repairing and reopening roads to connect the Interior and the North to the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, to get our supply chains moving,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “We are working closely with multiple partners to make this happen. It is a big job, but collectively we are up to the challenge and will get things opened up again just as soon as we possibly can.”

There are approximately 17,775 people evacuated due to impacts from the flooding, with 5,918 properties on Evacuation Order, and 3,632 properties on Evacuation Alert.

The federal government has responded to and accepted British Columbia’s requests for assistance. In the coming days, additional federal personnel and resources will be arriving in B.C. to assist.

The state of emergency gives agencies, such as the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Emergency Management BC, the RCMP and others the ability to use extraordinary measures to protect people and communities.”

Quick Facts:

  • Declarations of provincial states of emergency may be issued by the minister responsible under the Emergency Program Act.
  • The provincial government can extend the period of a declaration made by the minister responsible.

Learn More:

For information on evacuation orders and alerts, visit Emergency Info BC:

https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/

For BC’s response to floods and mudslides visit:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/natural-disaster/support/home

For the latest information on roads and travel, visit: www.drivebc.ca

Written by
VA3DBJ

Canadian amateur radio operator since 2007. Operating on the VHF/UHF bands and local repeaters in the Durham Region area. Husband and the father of four.

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