Flooding in 2018 impacted communities along the Lower Fraser River. (Black Press Media file)

Flooding in 2018 impacted communities along the Lower Fraser River. (Black Press Media file)

Langley residents along the Fraser River asked to be on alert

Flooding along Lower Fraser River is possible as the water levels rise in the next week

  • Jul. 3, 2020 12:00 a.m.

Evacuation alerts are being hand delivered by firefighters to resident along the Fraser River in Langley.

The high water levels and flooding being seen in the Prince George area could make for a tense week ahead for residents in the Lower Fraser Valley.

The seasonal freshet is expected to bring large volumes of water down the province’s main river.

The Langley Emergency Program is monitoring the situation and as of Friday afternoon, the Township issued an update.

“Continued unseasonal wet weather in British Columbia is affecting water levels on the Fraser River,” the notice read.

The river is expected to crest between Sunday, July 5, and next Thursday, July 9.

In the meantime, firefighters are delivering alerts to unprotected properties in northwest Langley, Glen Valley, and Fort Langley, advising those resident to prepare to evacuate.

“This is not an evacuation notice,” the Township stipulated. Just an alert, asking residents to be ready, just in case.

TOWNSHIP UPDATE

Most local residents who would be impacted by Fraser River flooding are prepared, said Ginger Sherlock, the LEP emergency coordinator.

She said the Township sent letters to property owners in February and most residents have the bases covered with such things as alternative ways to get into and out of their properties, supplies such as generators, and plans on a safe site to head in case of flooding.

She noted that people have to make plans specific to their circumstances. People with livestock have to make different plans than people’s whose concern is basement flooding, for example.

“We are watching and monitoring river levels,” she noted.

The public can monitor through the River Forecast Centre website. There’s also the Langley Emergency Program website and PreparedBC, which has information not only on the freshet but also COVID-19.

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Langley Advance Times