This release was issued under a previous government.

  • 23 confirmed states of local emergency as of 8 a.m.
  • 23 active local Emergency Operations Centres in southern Alberta, including municipalities, First Nations, and private industry (Fortis).
  • The southern Alberta flooding has been confirmed as the worst flooding in Alberta’s history.
  • Highway 1 bridge through Medicine Hat will remain open. Check www.511.alberta.ca, follow @511Alberta or call 511 for information.
  • Highway 1 from Highway 40  -  Eastbound - is open for two lane restricted traffic using the highway and Three Sister Parkway (#742) from Canmore for all eastbound  vehicles and emergency and relief services vehicles only. Westbound traffic is restricted to emergency and relief services vehicles only
  • The following highways are open to emergency vehicles only:  Highway 1A east and west of Exshaw; Highway 40 from Highwood Pass to Highway 1.
  • Five (down from 13) Alberta Search and Rescue teams are working with emergency responders in the affected communities.
  • Boil water alerts have been issued for a number of communities. Details on current boil water orders are available online.

What you need to know if you’ve been affected by flooding

  • Rapid Assessment Structural Safety Teams (RAESST) will be deployed to municipalities affected by flooding. These teams are made up of technical and access specialists to support municipalities as they facilitate the re-entry of residents.
  • Do not return to your communities until your local authorities have given permission to do so.
  • For family re-unification, call the Red Cross information line at 1-866-696-6484.

Disaster recovery program

  • Government has brought together all provincial resources to respond to this disaster through the Alberta Emergency Management Agency. Yesterday, Premier appointed three Associate Ministers of Regional Recovery and Reconstruction: Hon. Greg Weadick for South East Region; Hon. Kyle Fawcett for South West and Hon. Rick Fraser for High River.
  • These three ministers will be on the ground every day in their regions of responsibility, making sure that communities get what they need when they need it, and that they have the tools to rebuild.
  • Disaster recovery programs provide financial assistance for municipalities and their citizens who incur uninsurable loss and damage as a result of a disastrous event. Municipalities apply for disaster recovery programs on behalf of their residents.
  • Additional information on Alberta’s disaster recovery program is available at http://www.aema.alberta.ca/drp_resident_application_information.cfm.

Reception centres

  • In communities where there have been large evacuations, municipalities have set up reception centres. Albertans who have evacuated are encouraged to register at a reception centre or call the Red Cross information line at 1-866-696-6484.
  • High River evacuees can register or be located at 1-403-991-0526.
  • About 10,000 people from Medicine Hat have been evacuated. An evacuation reception centre and volunteer coordination centre has been established at the Medicine Hat College. The City of Medicine Hat Flood Information Line phone number is 403-502-8900. 
  • Approximately 1,000 members of the Siksika Nation have been evacuated. Evacuation centers are set up at Deerfoot Sportsplex and Gleichen arena. 
  • Reception centres have also been set up in Black Diamond, Nanton and Drumheller.
  • Additional information for displaced residents is available at http://alberta.ca/reception-centre-info.cfm

Anyone in areas where flooding and heavy rainfall is occurring should:

  • Listen to local media reports and follow instructions from law enforcement and local officials.
  • Sign up to receive emergency alerts from Alberta Emergency Alert at www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca.
  • Avoid any rivers or streams in those communities.

Road closures

  • Portions of 12 highways remain closed, three ferries are closed and three sections of highway are open to emergency vehicles only. For the most up-to-date information on highway conditions and closures go to www.511.alberta.ca, follow @511Albertaor call 511.
  • Alberta Transportation continues to work closely with the RCMP and local authorities to safely permit restricted travel out of Canmore. With the exception of emergency service vehicles and the delivery of essential supplies, no travel is permitted into Canmore from any direction. There are still no private passenger vehicles permitted east-bound on the TransCanada between Canmore and Banff.
  • For the safety of all motorists, the RCMP and Alberta Transportation officials encourage individuals to avoid stopping on the shoulders of highways or walking along highways to view flooded areas. Follow signs and stay away from damaged bridges.

Schools

  • Albertans should check with their local school board for the most up-to-date information.
  • All students in affected areas who were scheduled to write diploma exams between June 24 and June 27 will receive an automatic exemption from the exams without needing to fill out an application form. However, if a student would like to write a particular diploma exam, school authorities will help facilitate that choice.
  • Local school boards are responsible for identifying schools where exemptions will apply.
  • Schools in affected areas have also cancelled Grade 9 provincial achievement tests scheduled between June 24 and June 27.
  • Post-secondary institutions in Calgary will be closed on Monday June 24.

Social services

  • Alberta Works clients who receive benefits by cheque rather than electronic deposit, and who are impacted by flooding in southern Alberta, can call the Income Support Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135 (then press 1) or send an email to [email protected] to find out how to receive benefits.
  • Residents receiving benefits from the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program by cheque rather than electronic deposit, and who are impacted by flooding in southern Alberta, are advised to call the Calgary AISH office at 403-297-8511 during regular office hours.
  • If families or contracted service providers need any human, financial, or in-kind assistance to safely evacuate, accommodate and provide individuals receiving PDD supports, please contact your local regional board for more information.
  • More information is available at http://humanservices.alberta.ca/flood-update.html.

Flood and weather conditions
For current flood warnings and water level conditions: www.environment.alberta.ca/forecasting/advisories/index.html

For more detailed information on weather and stream conditions, see the forecaster’s comments: www.environment.alberta.ca/forecasting/ForecastersComments/index.html

Health Services  
Up-to-date information on facilities is posted on the Alberta Health Services webpage.

  • Medicine Hat: Alberta Health Services opened a 10-bed field hospital Sunday at the Medicine Hat Leisure Centre. The site will remain open 24-7 until further notice to provide emergency care and maternity services to north Medicine Hat residents impacted by road closures. This contingency is in the event thatall bridge access between north and south Medicine Hat could be cut off as a result of flooding. Plans are also in place for helicopter transport of critical patients to Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. An additional urgent care centre has been established and hours have been expanded for urgent care at the evacuation centre.
  • Calgary:As communities are cleared for re-entry, Calgary Public Health inspectors have started inspections of food establishments and other businesses near the impacted areas in order to ensure they are safe to open. They include social/child/adult care facilities, pools and recreation centres. Contingency plans to reschedule family physician appointments are being developed in partnership with Primary Care Networks. Calgarians unable to access care through their regular family doctors or neighbourhood walk-in clinics due to flood-related issues are encouraged to call HealthLink Alberta for other options.
  • High River: The hours of the Okotoks Urgent Care Centre have been extended to 24/7 to help support displaced High River residents. Additional medical services are being transferred to Okotoks for High River residents, including prescription renewal, cancer clinic and low-risk obstetrics clinics. The High River Hospital remains closed.
  • Drumheller: Drumheller Hospital remains evacuated; the Emergency Department is open.
  • For all displaced residents in areas now returning home: Returning residents need to take precautions to keep their families safe. Resources on how to deal with food, mould, and other flood-related public health concerns are available at albertahealthservices.ca. For a full listing of other tips related to returning in the Calgary area, please visit  http://www.calgarycitynews.com/2013/06/evacuation-lifted-re-entry-information.html

Health and seniors benefit information

  • Alberta Aids to Daily Living Clientsshould proceed to their medical supplier vendor as usual. Billing for residents affected by flooding will be addressed later.
  • Alberta Seniors Benefit clients who receive the benefit by mail and need it to be redirected while they are displaced from their homes can call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 between 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday to make arrangements.
  • The Special Needs Assistance Program for Seniors is available to assist low-income seniors with one-time extraordinary expenses, such as household appliances, minor home repairs, clothing, etc. Call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 or visit http://www.health.alberta.ca/seniors/special-needs-assistance.html for application information.

Law enforcement, Provincial Corrections and the Courts

  • The Calgary Police Service (CPS) Arrest Processing Unit can no longer be used due to flood damage. The CPS has approached the Alberta government to request assistance with identifying alternate arrangements. The two temporary options under consideration are the Calgary Remand Centre and the holding cells in the basement of the Calgary Court Centre. As the remand centre may not be suitable for more than a few days due to its daily operations and capacity, the court centre is another interim option that reflects the extraordinary circumstances of the flood.
  • The Calgary Court Centre will be open to the public on June 24. There will be no Court of Queen’s Bench or Provincial Court trials June 24, 25 or 26th. Queen’s Bench will be open for emergency matters only. The Calgary Court of Appeal will be closed on June 24. Additional information is available at Justice and Solicitor General.
  • The Medicine Hat courthouse will be closed on June 24.

Tourism and Parks

  • Updates regarding recreation vehicles left behind in the Kananaskis/Bow Valley area will be provided online at www.kananaskis-country.ca.
  • Up-to-date information about provincial parks impacted by flooding is available online and by following @Albertaparks.
  • Visitors to Alberta should note that travel restrictions may be placed on some routes.Check511.alberta.ca, follow @511Alberta or call 511 for information before you depart.
  • Information is also available by calling the 1-800-ALBERTA (252-3782) visitor contact centre or in person at Visitor Information Centres  throughout the province. 

Donations and Volunteering

  • Donations can be made to the Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-418-1111 or existing aid organizations. Only financial donations are required at this time. Please do not make non-monetary donations or bring donations to reception centers.
  • To volunteer to assist with clean up efforts, call 1-866-628-6565. This is a toll-free line hosted by Samaritans Purse.

Other Information

  • The most up-to-date information about affected communities is available at www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca.
  • Farm flooding information
  • Registries - Service Alberta has put in measures for Albertans who have driver’s licenses or motor vehicle registrations expiring in the next few days. Expiring driver’s licenses and registrations across the province will be deemed valid until evacuation orders are lifted.
  • For information on selecting a contractor, organizations soliciting donations and if price-gouging is suspected, visit Service Alberta’s webpage.

Links to emergency information, community contacts and disaster recovery is available at www.alberta.ca. Watch for Government of Alberta updates on Twitter at #abflood

The Alberta government is fully engaged in supporting the efforts of local communities and first responders. The Provincial Operations Centre (POC) is operating at Level 4, the highest level and is coordinating the efforts by the three levels of government. Key federal departments are active in the POC.

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Provincial Operations Centre
Communications
Government of Alberta
780-644-4862
#abflood

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.