Perth-Andover evacuation order over flood risk lifted

But a local state of emergency remains in place, according to the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization.

Water levels in the communityare stable, but just below flood watch stage at 76.07 metres, they said.

Localofficials areencouraging residents, who are staying with family or friends, to stay one more evening.

"At the present time, we feel the community is not at any immediate risk of flooding," the village said in a statement issued Monday at noon.

"However, withthe weather predictions and water flow forecast, we are anticipating an increase in water flows over the next few days through the community."

The village issued a mandatory evacuation order on Saturday, affecting nearly 300 people, along with 15 homes, 53 apartment units and 42 businesses.

The St. John River is currentlymovingfree of ice, but officials will continue to monitor the ice jam and water flows above the Grand Falls dam, the statement said.

RCMPwill also maintain a strong presence in the community over the next several days.

Premier Brian Gallant visited the community on Monday, to meet with local officials and volunteers to thank them for their efforts and to ensure the government is doing everything it can "to proactively help them" in keeping people in the region safe.

Asked about criticisms that the government hasn't done enough to prevent flooding in the area, Gallant said: "I can understand the people are very concerned."

We're more than willing after we ensure that we protect the people of the region to have discussions about how we move forward and ensure the continuous protection of the people in the area.- Brian Gallant, premier

"And of course we're more than willing after we ensure that we protect the people of the region to have discussions about how we move forward and ensure the continuous protection of the people in the area."

Gallant did not offer any specifics, saying he is not an expert in flood mitigation.

Asked whether his government might consider extending disaster financial assistance to local businesses not currentlycovered, he said: "We've spoken to them before and we'll continuously have dialogue to see what more we can do to help and make sure that we keep everyone safe and keep businesses going as usual here in the region."

In the meantime, Gallanturged residents to "be vigilant" and to listen to the recommendations of local officials.

The village's emergency measures organization committee held a meeting on Monday morningto discuss the plan for the day.

Roads and business were permitted to re-open on Monday morning.

Dan Dionne, the village's chief administrative officer, said the water levels are at seven feet, which is lower than on Sunday.

There is an ice mass that isabout 25 kilometres long near Grand Falls.The ice jam is 10 kilometres long but there is a sheet of ice, roughly 15 kilometres long, in front of it.

Coun. Dean McAllistersaid all of that ice inthe river still poses a risk to the village.

"So we are far from out of the woods, that's for sure, but that jam moving yesterday really,you know the river dropped two-and-a-half feet, three feet," he said.

"The town, you know, we should be able to function today, but we're all on high alert still."

Emergency officials are watching to see how that ice jam moves down the riveras well as how much rain will fall in the next few days.

Three schools in the area are closed for the day.

Southern Victoria High School and Andover Elementary School are both located in the evacuation zone.

And the Red Cross was using Perth-Andover Middle School as an evacuation centre.

Emergency shelter closed

The Red Cross closed the temporary shelter and wrapped up its support activities in the community on Monday afternoon.

A total of 54 residents stopped by the shelter and registered their locations and contact information, spokesman Dan Bedell said in a statement.

Eleven residents spent one or both nights sleeping at the shelter, where some meals were also provided, said Bedell.

The Red Cross arranged motel accommodations for 32 people, due to special considerations, such as mobility or other health issues, he said.

Two Red Cross staff members and 14 volunteers assisted with the Perth-Andoverresponse some workingaround the clock, said Bedell.

People at the Red Cross offices in Fredericton and Moncton also provided support, such as transporting cots, blankets and other relief supplies, he said.

The provincial government's River Watch program says several other areas have now reached flood watch or advisory levels

The St. John River nearHartland is just below flood stage, while the river has reached the flood warning level in theWoodstock area.

Fredericton and most areas downriver are still more than a metre below flood stage.

The exceptions are Jemseg where it's 60 cm below flood stage, Quispamsis and Saint John are both about 80 cm below flood level.

But EMOsays both Fredericton and Quispamsis-Saint John are forecast to reach flood warning levels on Wednesday.

Both areas are currently under flood watches. Rainfall is expected to increase the level of the St. John River by 55 centimetres in Fredericton between Monday and Wednesday, and by 40 centimetres in Saint John.

The EMO defines a flood warning as a situation where "rising water will result in flooding of areas adjacent to identified watercourses. Anyone situated close to these areas must take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their property from flood waters."

Riverwatch officials saywater levels on the Nashwaak River are fluctuating but an advisory remains in the area.

Water levels on the Nerepis River have risen to flood watch stage, while nearby tributaries remain at lower values.