B.C. floods leave rural residents stranded

Five days after heavy flooding damaged roads and cut access to residents in northeastern B.C., many people are still stranded in rural homes.

Officials say people living in 47 homes in the Hasler and Willow Flats area west of Chetwynd, B.C. can't leave because a main road was severely damaged by heavy floods.

Flooding has also knocked out power and telephone service.

• Family with baby rescued by helicopter, hundred of properties stranded by B.C. floods

There appears to be little relief in sight.

"It might be a lengthier time before those folks can get access," said Shannon Anderson, deputy chief administrative officer for the Peace River Regional District.

The only road access to the region, Highway 97, is still closed between the Mackenzie Junction and Chetwynd, severing the only road link between the Peace region and the rest of B.C.

District workers stranded

Anderson says the Peace River Regional District  government first became aware of the stranded citizens when staff from the area failed to show up for work after flooding began last week. 

A helicopter was dispatched to survey the region on Thurs. June 16. That helicopter crew also delivered supplies, and rescued a family with a newborn baby, who were stranded when Highway 97 collapsed at Commotion Creek. 

On Sunday, crews with a Ministry of Transportation escort took a four-wheel drive vehicle through washouts into the Hasler flats area.

District staff went door to door to check on residents and bring fuel and propane.

One official said the people there are self reliant and resilient but were happy to see local government on their doorsteps.

Anderson says at least one home in the flats area was completely destroyed by the flooding, and others need major renovations.

"The areas that have been hit by the floods, (the residents are) probably quite traumatized," he said.

Must rebuild

"Residents have got to rebuild their lives."

The Ministry of Transportation has not yet announced when the route will be re-opened, but the highway may re-open to single lane traffic by the end of the week.

"Construction crews and heavy equipment are working day and night," said Transportation Minister Todd Stone. 

He says the massive flooding has "severely damaged" roads. 

Six highways and 38 side roads were badly damaged by floods last week.