By Thomas I. Likness
EBC Edmonton Bureau

EDMONTON (Eagle News) — The federal government is standing by ready to provide help the northern Alberta city of Fort McMurray deal with flooding said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Tuesday.

“Our thoughts go out to you who live in Fort McMurray as you deal with spring flooding,” said Trudeau.  “We stand ready to help in any way we can and in regards to military support, we’re there for military support if we receive a request from the province.”

Most the city’s downtown is under water because of an ice jam backing up water on the Athabasca and Clearwater rivers. The entire downtown area has been closed.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney toured the region Monday.

“This is apparently a once in a century situation,” said Kenney. “We took a flight over the city and saw the impact, it’s very significant.”

About 12,000 people who live in the area are being evacuated and those with no place to go are being put up in city hotels.  It is not know when they can return home.

(Eagle News Service)