Heavy flooding in Canada's western province of Alberta has killed at least two people and forced tens of thousands of residents to flee their homes.
Officials said Friday that the city of Calgary was the hardest hit, with at least 100,000 people being displaced. In the city center, homes and businesses were inundated and electricity was cut in some areas. Several roads and bridges were closed to traffic.
Days of heavy rain have caused the Bow and Elbow rivers to overflow their banks. In some parts of Alberta more than 100 millimeters of rain has fallen in just the past two days.
About 1,200 troops were deployed to help the evacuation in the affected areas. Helicopters picked up some residents stranded on the roofs of houses.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper toured the province in a helicopter Friday afternoon with Alberta Premier Alison Redford. Harper promised federal support for rescue and recovery efforts.
Officials said Friday that the city of Calgary was the hardest hit, with at least 100,000 people being displaced. In the city center, homes and businesses were inundated and electricity was cut in some areas. Several roads and bridges were closed to traffic.
Days of heavy rain have caused the Bow and Elbow rivers to overflow their banks. In some parts of Alberta more than 100 millimeters of rain has fallen in just the past two days.
About 1,200 troops were deployed to help the evacuation in the affected areas. Helicopters picked up some residents stranded on the roofs of houses.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper toured the province in a helicopter Friday afternoon with Alberta Premier Alison Redford. Harper promised federal support for rescue and recovery efforts.
