An ice jam on the Athabasca River is nearly half the size it was earlier this week when it caused major flooding in Fort McMurray and forced 13,000 people from their homes.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo says in a statement that the blockage was 13 kilometres in size Wednesday evening, down from 25 kilometres two days earlier.
Join us as we thank our dedicated team at Public Works who have been working long hours through tough conditions. Thank you for evacuating residents, pumping flooded areas, constructing access roads, making & distributing sandbags & much more. You truly are our everyday heroes! pic.twitter.com/1LXJH2svBj
— rmwoodbuffalo (@RMWoodBuffalo) April 30, 2020
They say water levels on the Clearwater, Athabasca and Hangingstone rivers are still fluctuating, but reports show they are dropping in all three rivers around Fort McMurray.
Officials with the municipality, which includes Fort McMurray, will host a virtual community town hall to provide an update on the flooding at 5:50 p.m. Thursday.
News Release: The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) will host a virtual community townhall on Thursday, April 30, 2020 at 5:50 p.m. to provide an update on the river break and flood.
View the full release here: https://t.co/NB0NNHaRWs pic.twitter.com/gottEvROTQ
— rmwoodbuffalo (@RMWoodBuffalo) April 30, 2020
The public livestream will provide an update on the river breakup and flood.
On Tuesday night, council members from the Municipalitytoured the areas affected by flooding.
“Together we will get through this historic flooding event as a strong and resilient community like we have done before,” said Mayor Don Scott.
Premier Jason Kenney has announced those displaced by the flood will be given cash payments of up to $1,250.
The Canadian Press
