Flood warning for Klondike River downgraded to 'watch' as waters recede near Dawson City, Yukon
Officials now say efforts will turn to recovery and clean up
Emergency management officials have downgraded the flood warning for the Klondike River near Dawson City, Yukon, to a flood watch.
"Water levels remain very high, but are not at open water flood thresholds," reads a public notice Monday afternoon.
Areas around Dawson flooded over the past week as ice began to pile up on the Klondike. It affected the North Klondike Highway for a period of time and overwhelmed the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Farm, among other properties.
Jim Regimbal is a flood information officer with the Yukon government.
Speaking with CBC's Midday Café Monday, he said there are three teams stationed in town: one at the airport, one on the highways and one in the Rock Creek/Henderson Corner area.
"We're doing wellness checks and ensuring that we can help people as best we can," he said.
He added there was a lot to do post-flood. He said the Yukon government is bringing people to assess properties, wells and drinking water.
"It's devastating. I have to be honest. I hate floods," he said.
Still, he said community members came together to try and protect each other as much as they could.
There is ongoing emergency support for residents whose homes were affected by the flood. People can register by phone at 867-332-4597.
Monday's public notice says residents need to assess their property to make sure there are no hazards on their property. It also has additional information here.
It also lists other phone numbers for residents looking for information:
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For general flood information, call 867-332-4188
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Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in citizens needing assistance: call 867-993-3125
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Dawson residents needing assistance: call 867-993-2934
With files from George Maratos