State of emergency declared in Peace River district

A state of emergency has been declared in parts of B.C.'s Peace River Regional District more than a week after several hundred homes were damaged by torrential rains and flooding.

Eleven days ago, 150 mm of rain fell on northeastern B.C. in just a few days. Hundreds of homes were flooded by the summer downpour, wells were pollutedand the main highway between Prince George and Dawson Creek is still washed out in several places.

Officials say there's no new immediate danger, but another weather system is moving into the area and they fear there could be more floodingin the coming days.

The emergency declaration will give officials the right to go on to private land to clear debris and flood damage.

The B.C. government will also be able to offer financial help. Residents will learn more details about the financialassistance at a special meeting in Chetwynd on Thursday evening.

Highway repairs continue

The Ministry of Transportation announced on Wednesday afternoon that crews will open part of Highway 97 between Chetwynd and Mackenzie Junction at 7 p.m. PT.

"A single lane will be open to passenger vehicles and to commercial vehicles with legal weights and dimensions, single trailer units only," said the ministry.

About 100 workers have been working to repair road damage in about 150 locations in the region following the flood.

"Highway 29 between Chetwynd and Hudson Hope, which reopened July 1 to single-lane alternating traffic, is now open to two-way traffic," officials said.