Heavy rains cause major damage in Edmonton: Roads collapse, homes flooded. City declares state of emergency

 

 

Edmonton has declared a state of emergency after heavy rains last week caused flooding and road collapse. Meteorologists say this June has seen the heaviest rainfall on record; more than 255 millimetres of rain were recorded in the area. Drone footage shows that Township Road 534 east of Sherwood Park has been completely washed away.

More than 20 roads are currently closed in Strathcona County alone. The restoration of damaged roads will take at least three months, said Kevin Cole, deputy chief administrative officer of Infrastructure and Planning Services. The water in the trailer park called Jubilee Landing in Sherwood Park has severely affected people's lives. Residents here are in a state of emergency.

But county officials have said the areas are privately owned and operate their own water and wastewater treatment systems. Meanwhile, local residents have come forward to accuse the county of failing to install permanent pumps in advance to prevent flooding. A local state of emergency has been declared in Beaver County, an hour east of Edmonton, and residents in the municipalities of Tofield, Riley, Holden and Viking have been advised to use water sparingly.

Boat services have been completely banned after the water level on the North Saskatchewan River rose dangerously high due to heavy flooding. The city government has strictly advised people and pets to stay away from the river and canal areas due to severe erosion on the riverbanks. As a safety precaution, strict restrictions have also been imposed on viewing fireworks from the riverbanks as part of the Canada Day celebrations.