Edmontonians are being asked to “exercise extreme caution” as water levels rise on the North Saskatchewan River and its tributaries following continuous rainfall this week. City officials in a Thursday news release warned that the river, shorelines and trails directly near the river may be unsafe due to rising water levels and increased current flow following a rain storm that dumped a large amount of rain on the province over the last 24 hours. The city said flooding may occur in some areas along the North Saskatchewan River and other natural waterways.
UBCO engineers dive into local flood recovery, prevention
While infrastructure clean-up and repairs continue across the province after the extreme weather events of 2021, UBC Okanagan researchers have created measures to help municipalities mitigate damage from future climate-related disasters. “Communities across British Columbia have established strong policies and strategies to prepare and limit damage due to these extreme events, but policies related to post-disaster management are still in their infancy,” says Sadia Ishaq, a doctoral candidate in UBCO’s School of Engineering and lead author of a new paper that examines municipal risk management strategies.
Water recedes, flood risk subsides in Kashechewan First Nation
The water has receded near Kashechewan First Nation, which has reduced the risk to the community. Discussions are now underway to return people home. The northern Ontario community experienced its annual spring flooding from the nearby Albany River. Hundreds of residents were flown to host communities: Kapuskasing, Thunder Bay and Val Rita-Harty. The risk to the community has subsided said Wilbert Wesley, emergency management services manager for Mushkegowuk Council. He is also the custodian helping the First Nation during its evacuation phase.