Belleville, Ont., on high alert as flood waters continue to rise

CTV National News: April showers Peter Akman has more on flood warnings across Canada, with wicked winter melts and massive amounts of rain in the forecast.

Officials in Belleville, Ont., are piling up the sandbags and asking residents to evacuate their homes as rising flood waters in the area threaten to worsen over the weekend.

Melting snow has caused water levels of the Moira River to rise dramatically in the past few days, forcing Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis to issue a state of emergency on Friday afternoon.

With even more rain forecasted in the coming days, city officials have warned that water levels could increase by up to eight centimetres in the next 24 hours.

Jennifer May-Anderson, spokesperson for Quinte Conservation Authority, said conditions in the area could deteriorate very quickly, reaching levels seen back in 2008 when Belleville was hit with similar flood conditions.

“We are approaching 2008 levels and we are expecting the Moira River (to) peak around Monday, and probably overnight and into Sunday,” May-Anderson told CTV News Channel.

“If we get more rain, the conditions are going to be worse, so we’re keeping an eye on the forecast and we are going to issue another notice if we do receive a lot of rain,” she added.

May-Anderson is asking residents to take the proper precautions as flood levels continue to rise.

“Residents are being advised to contact their municipality if they feel that they need sandbags and are also being advised that if their home is surrounded by water, to not drink the water as it could be contaminated.”

Meanwhile, fire crews and volunteers are continuing to assist residents in affected areas. Officials say about 60 homes near the Moira River are at risk of flooding.

“The river is continuing to rise and will be for the next two days, at least,” Belleville Fire Chief Mark MacDonald said in a video statement on the city’s website on Saturday.

“There will be more homes impacted, so our message is to be prepared and get those sandbag walls built,” he added. “Be prepared for the water to rise, probably close to another foot, in some areas.”

The city is also asking for more volunteers to help build sandbag barriers and provide additional assistance to residents evacuating their homes.

MacDonald said more than 200 residents have already signed up to help and local landscaping companies have provided equipment and trucks to assist in the effort.

Anyone concerned about flooding is urged to call an information hotline at 613-962-7550.