Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #07-117
June 8, 2007
Residents Of Upper Liard Are On Flood Alert
WHITEHORSE - Several residents of Upper Liard were evacuated this morning when flooding occurred along the east side of the Liard River, north of the Alaska Highway.
The Yukon government's primary concern is the safety of residents remaining in the area. Yukon Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) is closely monitoring the rising river levels over the next 24 hours, although minimal increases are expected. Power is being shut off in the evacuated areas. The Alaska Highway remains open to traffic and there is no imminent threat of closure.
An EMO representative is on site and coordinating the response team including representatives from: Yukon Department of Highways and Public Works; Liard First Nation; Watson Lake RCMP; Yukon Department of Health and Social Services; Yukon Department of Community Services; and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
Acting Community Services Minister Jim Kenyon and a departmental engineer have toured the impacted areas.
"I am very pleased with the cooperation between the different agencies involved in this situation and with the response of the residents of the community. Residents have been kept apprised of the situation by the RCMP and are handling the situation well," Kenyon said.
Watson Lake Health and Social Services is assisting displaced residents.
To ensure safe drinking water, the Department of Health and Social Services reminds residents affected by flooding to boil water or to use bottled water.
EMO reminds people living in flood prone areas to have an evacuation plan prepared to take the necessary measures to protect themselves and their property.
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For more information visit: www.gov.yk.ca
| Contact: Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications 867-633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca | Diane Nikitiuk EMO Communications 867-667-5220 diane.nikitiuk@gov.yk.ca |