May 20th, 2008
Fredericton residents face worst flood in decades
High floodwaters are seen along the St. John River in Fredericton, N.B. on Wednesday, April 30, 2008.
Updated Wed. Apr. 30 2008 10:04 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
Fredericton’s flood levels are expected to match — or even surpass — the worst flood to hit the New Brunswick capital in recorded history, as the St. John River seeps into the city.
Emergency officials are warning those who live along the river between Fredericton and Jemseg — particularly in Maugerville and Jemseg — to get out now.
The river begins to flood at the 6.5-metre mark, but it had reached at least 7.2 metres by late Wednesday. Residents can find updates on the situation here.
“In 1973, we had our 180-year flood which put the city of Fredericton at the 8.6-metre mark,” Bob Martin, the Fredericton fire department’s assistant deputy chief of operations, told CTV Newsnet.
“We’re predicting that sort of landmark will be hit again sometime overnight.”
The 1973 flood caused Fredericton and the surrounding farmland about $78 million in damage, according to the city’s website.
Martin said Fredericton’s schools and city hall will be shut down Thursday, along with parts of downtown. About 40 streets were expected to be under water by later in the week.
Cindy Abbott, a spokesperson for emergency groups working to deal with the flood, said transport vehicles have been sent to help evacuate residents from their homes — if they choose to leave.
“People have to understand — we’re about to exceed the worst flood on record,” she said.
The river could rise to 8.4 metres by Thursday morning.
“It’s either going to be as big as ‘73 or the next best thing to it,” said Andy Morton, deputy director of the province’s Emergency Measures Organization during a Wednesday news conference.
Martin said officials are on standby if the flooding continues to worsen.
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