Heavy rains prompt evacuations in communities around Waterloo region

States of emergency still in place in Minto, Maple From CTV Kitchener’s Max Wark: States of emergency still are in place in the town of Minto and in Mapleton Township but water levels are rec

WATERLOO, Ont. -- Heavy rain in the Waterloo, Ont., area prompted some evacuations Friday and at least one community has declared a state of emergency.

The town of Minto, northwest of Kitchener, declared an emergency Friday morning and moved up to 30 families from their homes and closed some roads and streets in the community.

The town said most residents were allowed back into their home by Saturday and that waters had started to drop.

The township of Mapleton also declared a state of emergency.

Ontario Provincial Police in Wellington North township say they had to evacuate a campground in Mount Forest when rain-swollen waters washed out a road.

It's not known how many people were at the campground, but police say the flooding affected water and sewer systems.

Police and authorities in Waterloo Region and Woolwich township have issued a warning for residents and motorists to stay away from fast-rising water bodies.

Police and the Grand River Conservation Authority say more than 100 millimetres of rain fell in the area on Friday, the heaviest deluge since 2008.

The rain has resulted in fast-flowing water in the Grand River along with flooding and slippery, dangerous banks near rivers and creeks.

"Using the Grand River for recreational use is extremely dangerous at this time," said Waterloo Region police chief Bryan Larkin. "We are asking people to stay away from rivers and flooded areas. We don't want anyone to put themselves, or others, at risk."