Submitted
DRUMHELLER, June 22, 2013 – 4:05pm Following the 3:00pm meeting of the Emergency Operations Centre – the Town continues to evacuate low-lying areas. At this point 80% of homes considered to be high risk – have been given evacuation notices. New flood risk maps have been posted online and via social media. An emergency reception centre is up and running at Greentree Mall /Drumheller Co-op. Evacuees will continue to be contacted directly by Town representatives this evening. Evacuees should report to the Reception Centre located at the Greentree Mall. Alberta Environment has provided a revised flow-rate 1,300 m3/s (down from 1,370 m3/s – earlier today). As a result - comparable flooding scenarios to what was experienced in 2005 are expected. Town of Drumheller staff and emergency services personnel have been redeployed to areas requiring the most attention at this time. The Badlands Community Facility and Drumheller Aquaplex have been closed to the public. A sandbagging location continues to be in operation at the south east corner of the IGA parking lot. Sandbag supply is good, despite a shortage earlier today. The revised timeline for the crest of the river is now expected at midnight on Sunday. The crest is expected to last six hours. Updates will be given as more information becomes available. We continue to stress to citizens that the best way to be informed about the situation is to monitor local internet and radio based media as well as the Town’s Facebook page and website for the latest information at www.dinosaurvalley.com. For more information – visit the Alberta River Forecast website at: http://www.environment.alberta.ca/forecasting/advisories/index.html