VANCOUVER - British Columbia declared a state of emergency Wednesday following unprecedented flooding that has displaced residents, severed access to multiple highways and killed thousands of livestock while many more animals are in danger of dying.
Premier John Horgan said the declaration will help preserve basic access to services and supplies for communities across the province, which has experienced yet more weather-related havoc months after historic wildfires and a heat dome that claimed the lives of nearly 600 people.
Horgan said the government will introduce travel restrictions to ensure essential goods and medical and emergency services can reach communities.
He has also asked the federal government for help in responding to the disaster.