As expected, B.C. is once again under a provincial state of emergency after floods and landslides devastated the southern part of the province.

Premier John Horgan made the announcement in a Wednesday afternoon press conference, noting the state of emergency came into effect at noon today, Nov. 17

“The last few days have been incredibly difficult for British Columbians who have experienced yet another natural disaster,” he said. “Heavy rains, strong winds, flooding have devastated entire communities of our province.”

At least one person has died, but Horan says the province expects that number to increase in the days ahead. Several thousand cattle have perished in what the Minister of Agriculture called a ‘heartbreaking’ situation.

Horgan says as part of state of emergency, there will be travel restrictions in B.C., adding the province is also working to protect supply chains.

“The order will preserve basic access to supplies across the province. We will bring in transit restrictions to ensure services get to communities that need them,” he said. “Please do not hoard items.”

“What you need your neighbours need as well. We are confident we can restore our supply chains in a quick and orderly manner provided we all act as we have been acting over the past two years.”

This is the third state of emergency in British Columbia this year with states of emergency also in place for the COVID-19 pandemic and for this past summer’s wildfire season.

“While the province has been able to take all necessary steps to respond to the emergency to this point, the next steps in this response may necessitate extraordinary measures only available through this declaration under the emergency program act,” Public Safety Minister, Mike Farnworth said Wednesday.

“This provincewide declaration will help us with the challenges ahead as we recover from the utter devastation that we are seeing. Getting our rail and roadways back up and in operation is a top priority, and the declaration will enable us to put the resources in place to make that happen.”

Like all states of emergency, this one will be in place for 14 days, though it may be extended or rescinded as necessary.

The province says there are approximately 17,775 people who have been evacuated by floods in places like Merritt, Princeton, and Abbotsford. In all, there are 5,918 properties on Evacuation Order with another 3,632 properties on Evacuation Alert.

“This is a catastrophic event and we need to work to get through it together,” Farnworth added.

“It is challenging but I know all of us as British Columbians are up for that challenge. We know people are concerned. We are aware as government and industry is aware. We need to remain calm.”