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Alberta government takes over flood-stricken High River at request of mayor

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A resident of High River speaks with RCMP at a road block on Tuesday, June 28, 2013 prior to listening to the radio broadcast of the new re-entry plan for evacuees northwest of High River, Alberta. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jordan Verlage

HIGH RIVER, Alta. – The Alberta government has taken over recovery and rebuilding in flood-stricken High River at the request of the town’s mayor.

The province says it has assumed responsibility for emergency operations, programs and services.

Mayor Emile Blokland says flooding that hit the town a week ago has been overwhelming and it’s best if the province co-ordinates efforts to get the community’s 13,000 residents back into their homes.

Some people have been critical of officials for keeping them out of the town, which has been heavily damaged and doesn’t have a supply of clean drinking water.

Municipal Affairs Minister Doug Griffiths says the government understands that people are frustrated, but the town’s recovery and rebuilding must be done safely.

The RCMP has stepped up patrols in the community and officers have seized firearms that weren’t stored properly in some homes.

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The Canadian Press

The Canadian Press is Canada's trusted news source and leader in providing real-time, bilingual multimedia stories across print, broadcast and digital platforms.

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