NB 443
April 7, 2009
FREDERICTON (CNB) - The following information is issued by River Watch 2009 and the Department of Public Safety's New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization (NB-EMO) on Tuesday, April 7, 2009.
Ice jams are being reported in several regions, causing some localized flooding and a small number of evacuations. Residents are advised to exercise caution, and to pay attention to water level increases and ice movement.
There are ice jams being reported in the following areas: Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska, Woodstock, Grafton, on the Nashwaak (Nashwaak Bridge and Durham Bridge, Marysville) and southwest Miramichi (Hayesville and Priceville areas).
An ice jam below Perth-Andover caused the closure of Highway 105 locally. As a result, as a precautionary measure, the Town of Perth-Andover last night declared a state of local emergency, and evacuated about 240 people from about 100 properties. The ice jam has since moved into the deeper water of the Beechwood head pond, and the water level has receded significantly. Families will be allowed to return to their homes this morning.
The Perth-Andover Emergency Operations Centre was activated, and local co-ordinators are on-site to assist residents. The provincial Emergency Operations Centre in Fredericton has also been activated, and NB-EMO staff are monitoring conditions and co-ordinating provincial operations.
Residents are reminded to monitor conditions and to be prepared to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours in the event of an emergency. Know the risks, make a plan, and keep your family safe.
More Information on water levels, cleanup and other self-help advice may be found online at: http://www.gnb.ca/riverwatch.
09/04/07
MEDIA CONTACT: New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization, 1-800-561-4034; 506-453-2133.
09/04/07