If needed thousands of Canadian Armed Forces personnel are on standby to help flood-ravaged BC: Anita Anand

Defence Minister Anita Anand says if needed thousands of Canadian Armed Forces personnel are on standby to help flood-ravaged BC.

She says the military can provide both air and ground support if the province asks for that help, as well as officers who are expert in planning and logistics.

She says soldiers are ready to help BC get through this crisis.

Anand says the Canadian military is already supporting search and rescue efforts and has rescued more than 300 stranded motorists and nearly 30 family pets.

Anand says in the 48 hours before a formal request for help, the Canadian military was already supporting search and rescue efforts -- rescuing more than 300 stranded motorists and nearly 30 family pets.