Three people were taken to hospital and multiple campsites were damaged after a suspected tornado tore through a provincial park campground north of Macklin on Wednesday night.
Read more: Alberta seeks federal approval for West Coast Oil Pipeline
Wainwright RCMP say emergency crews were called to the Dillberry Lake Provincial Park campground, near the Saskatchewan border, at about 8:30 p.m.
There were 42 occupied campsites at the park when the severe weather hit.
The Alberta RCMP’s Divisional Emergency Operations Centre established a unified command post on-site within two hours of the initial 911 call to launch a systematic search-and-rescue operation.
Dozens of regional emergency crews and specialized units were deployed to assist, including police dog services, tactical teams and the Edmonton Police Service’s Air One helicopter. Mounties as far away as Kimberley, B.C., were also contacted to help confirm the welfare and locations of specific campers.
A reception centre was opened at the Chauvin Community Centre and police confirmed that every camper had been successfully accounted for by 1:30 a.m. Thursday.
“This response demonstrates the strength of our partnerships and the dedication of emergency responders across the region,” Sgt. Michael Miller said in a news release. “Through a co-ordinated effort, we were able to quickly establish command, conduct search-and-rescue operations and ensure everyone affected by this event received the support they needed.”
A victim information centre was also set up under the RCMP’s mass victimization protocols to provide trauma-informed care and help reunite separated families.
RCMP officials said Thursday there is no longer an active public safety concern and management of the site has been handed over to the Municipal District of Wainwright.
Read more: City approves collective agreement with fire fighter association
