Record floods hit the Indian Coast of the United States and Canada
Residents in the western United States and Canada are bracing for what could be record-breaking floods following massive rainfall over already swollen rivers.
The U.S. National Weather Service warned of possible catastrophic flooding in Oregon and Washington along the Skagit and Snohomish rivers.
In Canada, major highways leading to Vancouver were closed due to flooding, debris buildup, and landslide risks.
Authorities in both the U.S. and Canada issued evacuation orders for thousands of people and warned that more rain is expected on Thursday.
Washington State Governor Robert Ferguson declared a state of emergency across the state on Wednesday, noting that around 100,000 residents may soon receive evacuation orders.
The declaration stated that ongoing rainfall and rising air temperatures at mountain elevations would worsen flood conditions, adding that supply chains and transportation could be heavily impacted.
Skagit County, a major agricultural area northwest of Seattle, issued an immediate evacuation order for flood-zone residents.
Washington State Department of Defense Disaster Management Director Robert Ezell said Wednesday that about 75,000 people will be evacuated from low-lying areas along the Skagit River.
The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office reported that “several” people were airlifted after being found trapped in their homes in Sultan, Washington, a town about 40 miles (65 km) northeast of Seattle.
The sheriff’s office warned residents Thursday morning that the county’s eastern region is the most affected, after the Skykomish River climbed past 24 feet (7 meters) overnight, nearing record levels.
It added that the Snohomish River is also experiencing major flooding, “competing with record numbers” as waters clash with the local flood-control system.
Officials in King and Snohomish counties reported multiple closures on state and local roads, warning of more closures on Thursday.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office said in a video posted Wednesday that its swift-water rescue team saved three people from the Orting River Park in the town of Orting, about 42 miles south of Seattle. It also reported several road closures in the county.
Reuters: Deputy Sheriff Kalani Apilado helps Brandon Phasith carry belongings while evacuating amid rising floodwater, as an atmospheric river brings rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Sultan, Washington.
In British Columbia, Canada, evacuation orders were issued for residential areas in the municipalities of Tulameen and Eastgate, among others.
The city of Abbotsford ordered the emergency evacuation of 371 properties at 23:00 Wednesday (07:00 GMT Thursday).
City officials said the Nooksack River is expected to overflow early Thursday morning, adding that they anticipate flooding but not on the scale of the devastating 2021 event, which caused significant damage and five deaths.
The travel information site “Drive BC” noted that all highways leading to the Lower Mainland are now closed.
Additionally, the U.S.–Canada border airport in Sumas was closed in both directions.
The entire region, spanning parts of both the U.S. and Canada, is experiencing heavy rainfall caused by an atmospheric river—a natural phenomenon involving moisture being pulled into the air and transported by winds in long currents resembling rivers in the sky.
Heavy rainfall is expected to taper off Thursday afternoon, though water will continue flowing into rivers.
Another storm is expected to hit the region on Sunday.
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