Following the flooding of the mountain town of Canmore in southern Canada, The City of Calgary has issued a mandatory evacuation for six communities along the Elbow River.
The communities of Mission, Elbow Park, Stanley Park, Roxboro, Rideau and Discovery Ridge are being evacuated immediately in anticipation of heavy flows from the Elbow and Bow rivers.
Emergency responders are reportedly going door-to-door to evacuate residents who are encouraged to find shelter with friends and family for, at least, the next 72 hours. Residents will not be allowed to access the communities after 3 p.m. MT.
Reception centers for evacuated families who can't find a place to go have been opened at the Southland Leisure Centre and at the Acadia Recreation Complex in Calgary. Residents are urged to bring identification, prescription medications and other important personal items with them.
Calgary Transit and Access Calgary are currently helping to transport residents who cannot leave their houses on their own. In addition, people with pets are encouraged to leave them with families of friends. In the event that they can't find anybody to care for their animals people can take them to the Animal Service Center.
Calgary officials are preparing residents to deal with heavy flooding in the upcoming days.
"The data we have currently would indicate that we will probably see water come over the top of the Glenmore Dam, at a flow rate that probably exceeds that of 2005," said Bruce Burrell, director of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency.
Officials reminded citizens to stay away from the rivers and creeks as banks remain unstable.
“I strongly encourage everyone to follow the public safety orders of their municipalities. If you are being ordered to evacuate, please do so for your own safety,” Alberta Premier Alison Redford said.
