The Government of British Columbia is encouraging local governments and First Nations communities along the lower Fraser River to prepare for potential flooding, due to increased snowmelt and higher-than-normal temperatures.

There were 161 suspected illicit drug overdose deaths in British Columbia in March 2018, the second-highest monthly total to date, based on the latest data provided by the BC Coroners Service.

The new wireless Alert Ready system was tested in British Columbia on May 9, 2018, and across Canada earlier in the week. Although many British Columbians received the alerts, many others did not. 

Wireless alerts will be tested for the first time in B.C. at 1:55 p.m. Pacific time on May 9, 2018, as part of a federal-provincial government initiative to improve public safety in the event of emergency.

British Columbians will now find it easier to “Get Good and Ready” in the event of an emergency, with the new Partners in Preparedness Program.

Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) is now available for eligible British Columbians in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (including municipalities, unincorporated areas and First Nations) who may have been impacted by flooding that began on April 26, 2018.

Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) is now available for eligible British Columbians in the Northeast region who may have been impacted by the recent flooding, due to the spring freshet that began on April 28, 2018.

Communities throughout B.C. are now benefiting from $33.5 million in provincial emergency preparedness funding.

With the potential for continued flooding in the Interior regions of the province, residents need to be vigilant with their safety.

As flood waters continue to rise throughout the province, the Government of British Columbia is assisting local governments and First Nations communities, as needed.