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Minden Hills Ont., a small town in Haliburton County, has closed down roads and declared a state of emergency in response to flood conditions in the community.
The township declared a state of emergency Tuesday at 2:00 p.m., citing an increasing level of water on its Gull River — which flows directly through the town — and more rainy, warmer weather forecasted for the next five to 10 days.
“Residents in areas that are susceptible to flooding should take necessary precautions to protect property and continue to monitor developing conditions,” the town said in a statement posted online.
The rising water levels have already shut down some roads, with the town warning residents that washouts, water over the roadway and ponding could occur.
Rising water levels on the Gull River, which flows right through Minden Hills, Ont., prompted the township to declare a state of emergency. (Submitted by Shauna Boshier)
Residents will be able to get sandbags at a self-serve station in the town and are advised to keep a “close watch on weather conditions.”
“Use caution around area lakes, rivers, creeks and other water sources such as ditches, as high water levels and swift currents can create unstable and hazardous conditions,” the town’s announcement said.
Municipalities are required under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to “develop and implement an emergency management program.”
When a municipality declares a state of emergency under the act, it can take actions and orders it considers as “necessary” so long as they are not contrary to the law “to protect property and the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the emergency area.”
