MEDICINE HAT, Alta. — There’s good news for some homeowners in flood-threatened southeastern Alberta.
A mandatory evacuation order for 41 homes between Medicine Hat and the Seven Persons reservoir has been lifted.
But a voluntary alert issued Tuesday night remains in effect for hundreds of others.
At issue is the reservoir’s earthen dam which was eroding, but officials say water pressure on the spillway has been relieved and the threat of a breach is diminished.
Officials have declared states of emergency for Medicine Hat and Cypress County, which will give quick access to provincial aid.
Local emergency officials and a trio of cabinet ministers are touring the area and discussing strategy.
Medicine Hat sustained more than $50 million in damage in last summer’s flooding.