B.C. flood threat eases, but rain advisory remains
Last Updated: Monday, November 13, 2006 | 3:31 PM PT
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Cool weather is easing the threat of flooding in the Fraser Valley, a provincial forecaster said Monday.
River levels could stabilize or even recede over the next two days, according to Allan Chapman, head of British Columbia's river forecast centre.
However, a heavy rainfall advisory remained in effect for Greater Vancouver on Monday, three days after it was issued by Environment Canada.
Rain pounded the Lower Mainland overnight and forecasters warned another 25 millimetres of precipitation could fall on Monday.
On Sunday night, an estimated 75 millimetres fell in the Fraser Valley east of Vancouver. The rain swelled the Chilliwack River, which burst its banks and forced residents from their homes last week.
Environment Canada predicted 10 to 20 millimetres of rain would fall on the western Fraser Valley, and 15 to 25 millimetres of rain on eastern areas of the valley, which includes Chilliwack, by Monday evening.
Recovering from the Pineapple Express
Parts of the valley are still trying to recover after being flooded out last week by a weather system known as the Pineapple Express, the remnant of a typhoon that hit the Philippines.
Chilliwack, about 100 kilometres east of Vancouver, was hit hardest by the near-record rainfall as the Chilliwack River overflowed, sweeping away trees, and flooding basements, fields and roads. About 200 homes in the city had to be evacuated.
On Sunday, residents used sandbags to keep the water out of their homes and built a new dyke to hold the river back in case it overflowed again. Dirt has been bulldozed along its banks.
The worst was over by Tuesday, as the river began to recede.
However, the rushing river still proved to be deadly: A 73-year-old fisherman was killed after being swept away on Friday. He was said to be wearing hip waders, and RCMP said the current proved to be too strong for him.
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