Boil order, evacuations in Fort McMurray due to flooding

Wednesday, June 12, 2013, 10:57 AM -

Fort McMurray is under a boil water order and a local state of emergency due to flooding.

“We’re taking this special measure to protect residents’ safety and ensure the swiftest possible response to the flood,” Mayor Melissa Blake said in a press release Tuesday, when the state of emergency was declared. “We encourage residents to cooperate with local authorities and stay upbeat during these trying circumstances.”

City officials say the emergency declaration is as a result of flooding along the Hangingstone River, along with some concerns over the Clearwater River and its tributaries.

The city also issued a mandatory evacuation notice of the Ptarmigan Court Trailer Park, with 69 units to be evacuated. Residents are being transported to the reception centre at the Frank Lacroix arena.

Residents of the Waterways and Draper areas were also placed under a boil water order by Alberta Health Services.

Unfortunately, Environment Canada is warning of rain over the next four days for the Fort McMurray region, with daily amounts of between 5 and 10 mm over central Alberta.

"This has the  potential to worsen an already sensitive situation," the agency says. "Current guidance does not show a reprieve from the showery conditions until Saturday evening as a ridge of high pressure begins to build," Environment Canada warns. "The public is advised to monitor future forecasts and warnings as warnings may be required or extended."

The municipality says people requiring assistance with the evacuation can call 780-762-3639 or 780-793-1054.

You can check out more severe weather footage in our video gallery.

With files from the Canadian Press.