Parts of Badger under evacuation order as Exploits River continues to rise

The Town of Badger has issued an evacuation order for some residents as water levels on the Exploits River continue to rise.

Mayor Dennis Butt told CBC News Thursday afternoon that between 45 and 50 homes are part of the initial evacuation order, and residents are being asked to go to the community hall at 19 Maple Street.

According to the provincial government, the following homes are under the evacuation order:

"The river has risen again … it's flowing into different areas of the community as well," Butt said.

Butt said a buildup of ice in the river has caused a damming effect. On Wednesday evening, Butt said the town was two inches away from the kind of flood that happens just once every 20 years.

"All of the outlets, all of the bogs upstream, are starting to fill in. So with no further buffer for them to fill in, you know, there's nowhere else for [the water] to go other than … in the community."

Emergency crews and the Red Cross are on the scene, Butt said.

The Department of Justice and Public Safety said the province's emergency operations centre is at Level 2, meaning emergency partners are fully engaged.

Meanwhile, Butt is asking people not to panic, and to follow safety orders.

"We have everything under control,” Butt said. "Comply with the evacuation order, because that's first and foremost for the safety of the residents."

Updates for residents will be posted on the Community of Badger Facebook page.

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