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BC Route 7 Storm Relief Information and Updates

November 22, 2021

 

As reported in the media over the last week, some sections of BC Route 7 were severely impacted by the intense storm in southern BC. As the downpour caused mudslides between Agassiz and Hope, hundreds of people were caught stranded on the highway. Through the herculean efforts of highway workers, search and rescue, helicopter pilots, and countless volunteers, people were transported into Hope where they remained for days until sections of highway were opened to essential travel only, and the stranded began to make their way home.

Photo Credit: BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

In the days that followed the storm, we have seen countless examples of people reaching out to help others. It’s been incredibly heartwarming to see how people have reacted with boundless grace and tremendous generosity during such a devastating time.

Following are some resources to refer to as work progresses; resources for information on flooding, and places to check for community updates.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE ORGANIZATIONS

ALERTABLE (APP) Updates on highway closures, evacuation alerts and weather alerts.

BCHYDRO The storm caused countless power outages, many have been restored but there will be planned outages in the days ahead as crews work to repair damaged power poles and downed lines.

CANADIAN RED CROSS Emergency and Disaster Services.

DRIVE BC Visit Drive BC for the most current information on our local roadways and highways. Please note, Highway 7 is open to essential travel only.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS How to prepare or recover from a disaster.

ENVIRONMENT CANADA WEATHER FORECASTS Keep up to date on the latest forecasts.

GOVERNMENT OF BC FLOOD PREPAREDNESS Ways to prepare for and prevent flooding, how to stay safe during a flood and steps to take for recovery.

GOVERNMENT OF BC DISASTER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION After a disaster, the provincial government may declare the event eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA). Once declared, the DFA program may compensate applicants for essential uninsurable losses.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

COQUITLAM

MAPLE RIDGE

MISSION

HARRISON RIVER VALLEY

AGASSIZ

HOPE

We want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone working so hard out there to restore power, fix roads and railways, and deliver much needed supplies and aid to those in need. We ask that you continue to restrict your travel to essential needs only; this will allow the first responders, emergency personnel, highway workers, BC hydro, and government officials to focus on the work required to repair infrastructure and reopen supply chains. We look forward to welcoming visitors back once it is safe to do so. Please be safe out there! Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to learn the latest on what’s coming up as we approach the holiday season.