Massive Ice Jam Prompts Mandatory Evacuation in Perth-Andover, N.B.

Over 200 people in Perth-Andover have been evacuated as a 2 ½ mile long ice jam along the Saint John River has brought water levels close to flood stage.

Village officials declared a state of emergency Saturday and ordered the mandatory evacuation of about 175 people living in the flood plain area.

In addition, 23 patients at Hotel Dieu of St. Joseph were either transferred to other hospitals or discharged. Officials with Horizon Health Network said the emergency department at the hospital in Perth-Andover remained open.

The ice jam has built up above and below the Perth-Andover bridge, but the bridge was not closed to traffic.

Mayor Terry Ritchie said in a Facebook post Saturday evening that the river was rising slowly with one metre to go to flood.  He said nightfall and failure of the dam to dislodge the ice jam led to the decision to call the mandatory evacuation.

An emergency shelter was set up at Perth-Andover Middle School, and Canadian Red Cross volunteers are on site to provide assistance to anyone who needs a place to stay.

Residents in the evacuation zone were allowed to return to their homes to retrieve belongings on Sunday, but they must be out again by 8 p.m, according to Dan Dionne, the village's chief administrative officer.

Classes at Andover Elementary School, Southern Victoria High School and Perth-Andover Middle School will be cancelled Monday due to current flood conditions.

Route 105 from the Tobique First Nation to Perth-Andover  has been closed due to flooding, according to the Department of Transportation.

You can find more information on the Village of Perth-Andover's website or by calling the village office at (506) 273-4958.