High water levels and flooding has caused the township of Minden Hills to declare a state of emergency.
Parts of Minden are currently under water, and town officials say levels along the Gull and Burnt River systems are at the top of the banks.
Several streets have been closed because they are under water. Town officials are asking residents to not drive on them because of how dangerous it can be. Officials are also asking residents to have an emergency plan in place, should they need to leave quickly.
“We’re ramping up communications with the public and residents about taking precautions, getting prepared, developing plans, advising family and friends” says the townships Director of Community Services, Mark Coleman.
Coleman says residents should make arrangements for their pets, and should they need assistance getting in and out of their home.
Water levels are expected to rise because of continued precipitation. The township has already handed out more than ten thousand sandbags, and will continue to provide them at the following locations:
- S.G Nesbitt Community Centre in Minden
- Roads Department Yard #3, at 4564 County Road 121
- Furnace Falls Park entrance on County road 503.
Residents are also advised to keep emergency contacts near their phones, and to build an emergency survival kit which would allow them to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.
