Metro Vancouver is urging residents of Barnston Island, near Surrey, to prepare for a possible evacuation order over the long weekend due to possible flooding.
About 150 people live on the island, located on the Fraser River, between Surrey and Pitt Meadows.
Metro Vancouver, which issued an evacuation alert Thursday, says residents should be prepared to leave shortly in advance.
A local state of emergency has been declared restricting access to the island, while Barnston Island Regional Park is also closed.
Metro Vancouver, responsible for emergency management in the area, says it has established a command post on site to coordinate any possible evacuation. Officials are also monitoring river levels, patrolling dikes and deploying sandbags.
Flood response information has been shared with Katzie First Nation, which has a reserve on the small island.
Access to Barnston Island is restricted to residents, businesses and individuals with family connections after a flood warning was issued on Thursday, June 30, 2022. (Ben Nelms / CBC)
The BC River Forecast Center, Environment Canada and Emergency Management BC have warned that melting snow and precipitation could lead to an increase in river flow over the next few days.
Metro Vancouver issued the following recommendations to residents of the island:
- Gather essential items, medications, glasses, valuable documents, immediate care needs, and pets, and get ready to leave quickly.
- Know the location of all household members and determine a place to meet if they separate during a possible evacuation.
- Be prepared to evacuate children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
- Start moving pets and livestock to a safe area immediately.
- Organize accommodation.
- Weather permitting, take steps to prepare for property damage.