Mayor Darrin Canniff has officially terminated the state of emergency in Chatham-Kent following significant flooding along the Thames River.
In a press release put out Tuesday afternoon, Canniff said the river levels have stabilized enough to put an end to the state of emergency, which was first issued on Friday after an ice jam caused the rising water levels. He said municipal staff and staff from the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) will continue to monitor conditions based on the pending weather forecast. He also thanked staff for the work they've done over the past few days.
“From those who repaired the dikes, to our engineering and public works officials, first responders and our customer service representatives, there was a strong level of professionalism and dedication,” he said. “The officials from the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority, local contractors and Entegrus and Enbridge were outstanding as well.”
According to the release, repairs to dikes along the River in West Kent have been successful and the river has dropped more than 50 inches since its high water level Friday evening. Four pumps have been delivered to flooded areas on both sides of the river for use as needed.
Canniff added that, as a precautionary measure, railway staff will continue to slow trains through the area due to the exposure of their rail base to high water.