New Brunswickers keep watchful eye on water levels as flood cleanup continues

PERTH-ANDOVER, N.B. – New Brunswickers living in flood-prone communities are being urged to stay vigilant as cleanup from this week’s flooding continues.

In the northwestern village of Perth-Andover, municipal officials warn that while water levels have dropped, they are expected to fluctuate and ice jams remain a cause for concern.

Mayor Terry Ritchie called Wednesday for a voluntary evacuation amid fears the St. John River could flood parts of the village, which experienced severe flooding in March 2012.

A message posted on the village website says the voluntary evacuation remains in effect for today.

Premier David Alward spent Thursday touring areas of the province that were submerged earlier this week when heavy rain and ice jams caused rivers and streams to spill their banks.

During a stop in Sussex, Alward said the government’s priority is to ensure residents are safe, but he added that crews will be moving quickly to inspect homes and assess damage.

A number of areas throughout Eastern Canada, including Ontario and Quebec, have been contending with floods in recent days.