Flooding prompts numerous alerts in Yellowhead County, Edson
The Town of Edson declared a state of local emergency Monday due to rainfall and flooding, which later also prompted the evacuation of a nearby hamlet and a shelter-in-place order for another.
The emergency in Edson began just after noon on Monday after more than 85 millimetres of rain "in a very short time."
Phone lines and internet were down and a number of roads were closed as crews worked to minimize damage in the town west of Edmonton.
"All of our staff resources are deployed dealing with flooding concerns throughout the community," Mayor Kevin Zahara said in an update shortly after the emergency was declared.
Flooding in the Town of Edson on Monday, June 19, 2023, after more than 85 mm of rain. (Alison MacKinnon/CTV News Edmonton)
LOWER ROBB EVACUATED
Just before 6 p.m. on Monday, residents of Lower Robb were told to leave immediately.
The hamlet is located about 60 kilometres south of Edson in Yellowhead County.
The part of the community that was evacuated was "being impacted by rising river water," the evacuation order read.
Additionally, Highway 47 about six kilometres south of Robb was closed by a mudslide.
A reception centre was opened at the Robb Multiplex/Curling Hall for evacuees and anyone who needed information.
Residents could also call 1-833-334-4630 for information or help leaving. Anyone experiencing an emergency situation because of the flooding was encouraged to call 911.
PEERS BRIDGE 'COMPROMISED'
Then, around 8 a.m. on Tuesday, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the hamlet of Peers, northeast of Edson by about 40 kilometres.
The alert agency said Peers' bridge was "compromised," but did not describe the extent of the damage.
"Emergency responders will assist residents in getting out of the area."
High river levels compromised Peers' bridge on Range Road 143A on June 20, 2023. (Credit: Cory Couvillon)
The bridge is located in the southwest part of the community on Range Road 143A.
FIRE, THEN FLOODING
With the state of local emergency in place, Edson will receive more resources from the Alberta Emergency Management Agency and surrounding municipalities, the mayor explained.
Road closures include the area of 6 Avenue and 40 Street and 6 Avenue between 47 and 48 Street, Edson CEO Christine Beveridge said.
Thirteen properties had reported flooding as of Monday afternoon, Beveridge added.
Flooding in the Town of Edson on Monday, June 19, 2023, after more than 85 mm of rain. (Alison MacKinnon/CTV News Edmonton)
Anyone experiencing flooding is asked to call the after-hours emergency line at 780-723-6300
Edson residents returned home last week after wildfires forced them away from the community for the second time in a month.
To end the update, an emotional Zahara told residents it's been "incredibly difficult" in recent weeks.
"Today is hard to watch, to see people struggling with their homes. But I'm incredibly proud of our staff here at the Town of Edson and all emergency responders, and thank you, we'll have a further update tomorrow."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau noncommittal on expanding rebate beyond 'working Canadians'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau does not appear willing to budge on his plan to send a $250 rebate to 'hardworking Canadians,' despite pressure from the opposition to give the money to seniors and people who are not able to work.
'Mayday!': New details emerge after Boeing plane makes emergency landing at Mirabel airport
New details suggest that there were communication issues between the pilots of a charter flight and the control tower at Montreal's Mirabel airport when a Boeing 737 made an emergency landing on Wednesday.
Cucumbers sold in Ontario, other provinces recalled over possible salmonella contamination
A U.S. company is recalling cucumbers sold in Ontario and other Canadian provinces due to possible salmonella contamination.
Latest updates: Tracking RSV, influenza, COVID-19 in Canada
As the country heads into the worst time of year for respiratory infections, the Canadian respiratory virus surveillance report tracks how prevalent certain viruses are each week and how the trends are changing week to week.
Weekend weather: Parts of Canada could see up to 50 centimetres of snow, wind chills of -40
Winter is less than a month away, but parts of Canada are already projected to see winter-like weather.
W5 Investigates A 'ticking time bomb': Inside Syria's toughest prison holding accused high-ranking ISIS members
In the last of a three-part investigation, W5's Avery Haines was given rare access to a Syrian prison, where thousands of accused high-ranking ISIS members are being held.
Federal government posts $13B deficit in first half of the fiscal year
The Finance Department says the federal deficit was $13 billion between April and September.
Armed men in speedboats make off with women and children when a migrants' dinghy deflates off Libya
Armed men in two speedboats took off with women and children after a rubber dinghy carrying some 112 migrants seeking to cross the Mediterranean Sea started deflating off Libya's coast, a humanitarian aid group said Friday.
Nick Cannon says he's seeking help for narcissistic personality disorder
Nick Cannon has spoken out about his recent diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder, saying 'I need help.'