In central Newfoundland’s Badger community, dozens of homes faced mandatory evacuation orders on Thursday as water levels in the Exploits River continued to climb, prompting heightened concerns among remaining residents.
Areas Under Evacuation Order
The provincial authorities announced that evacuation is now required for all addresses along several key streets, including Beothuk Street, Earle Street, Kinsman Drive, Main Street, Park Street, River Road, and Sheppard Street. Additionally, all even-numbered civic addresses on the north side of Badger Drive must be vacated. On Maple Street, properties numbered 34 to 76 and 33 to 99 are also included in the order.
Water has begun overtaking riverbanks and encroaching on nearby roads, with officials noting the town is perilously close to experiencing a severe flood event not seen in two decades. Monitoring efforts have been ongoing for the past week, involving round-the-clock surveillance by local fire crews.
Registration and Support for Evacuees
Those displaced are directed to register at the Badger Community Centre located at 19 Maple Street, where assistance will be coordinated. No formal evacuation had been issued earlier in the week, but voluntary departures from flood-prone zones like River Road and Beothuk Street had already begun as a precaution.
Provincial Emergency Response
The Department of Justice and Public Safety confirmed that the province’s emergency operations centre has escalated to Level 2 activation. This status ensures full involvement from emergency management partners to address the evolving situation. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, as conditions can shift rapidly.
For the latest developments, check the Community of Badger’s Facebook page, where real-time updates on water levels and response measures are being shared.
