Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement about flood activity in the British Columbia Interior region:

“The spring flood season is upon us. Heavy rainfall, warm weather and rapid snowmelt have triggered flood warnings and evacuations in the Interior. More than 4,000 British Columbians have been forced from their homes, while thousands more anxiously wait to see what rising flood waters will mean for their homes and their livelihoods.

“Our first priority is to help affected communities and make sure everyone is safe. B.C. is already providing disaster financial assistance to affected people in the Cariboo and Thompson Nicola regions. We have activated regional response centres to make sure people have timely information about the latest conditions. We have set up emergency supports and accommodation for evacuees. We have shipped flood mitigation equipment and millions of sandbags to help protect homes and businesses.

“The flood season has only just begun. We are working closely with local governments to protect communities, and we will continue to assist in any way we can.

“May 6 to 12 is Emergency Preparedness Week. I encourage all British Columbians to prepare their homes, and their families, for a natural disaster. Know the risks. Develop a plan and practise it. Prepare kits for your home and your car. We must all work together to prepare for, and respond to, flooding and other natural disasters.”