Evacuation orders for 10 communities have been issued by the City of Calgary following massive flooding in the city and across southern Alberta.

The communities of Roxboro, Elbow Park, Rideau, Stanley Park, Discovery Ridge, Erlton, Cliff Bungalow, Victoria Park and parts of Inglewood have been or are being evacuated.

Residents ,who are unable to find alternative accommodations, are requested to bring prescription medications, identifications and other critical personal items with them as they make their way to the Southland Leisure Centre and Acadia Recreation Complex centers. The rest are being encouraged to find shelter with friends or family members for at least the next 72 hours.

On standby are the Calgary Transit and Access Calgary to offer assistance to residents who cannot leave on their own, however, identification is requested of those requiring assistance from the responders going door to door.

A press conference was held on Thursday by the city after declaring a state of emergency in anticipation of heavy flows from the Elbow and Bow rivers reaching the city.

Residents have been warned to brace themselves for flooding worse than what the city saw in 2005. People are being reminded to stay away from creeks and rivers as the banks may be unstable due to the rising water.

"The data we have currently would indicate that we will probably see water come over the top of the Glenmore Dam, at a flow rate that probably exceeds that of 2005," said Bruce Burrell, director of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency.

Alberta Premier Alison Redford said she plans to visit the areas affected by flooding Friday.

“I’ve been following today’s events with great concern, and my heart goes out to the many Albertans who have been evacuated due to the floods that are affecting much of southern and central Alberta today,” she said in a release.

“I strongly encourage everyone to follow the public safety orders of their municipalities. If you are being ordered to evacuate, please do so for your own safety.”

Officials from the mountain town of Canmore, which is about 100 kilometers west of Calgary have also been forced to declare a local state of emergency, following heavy rains that made the banks of a creek running through the community unstable.

Canmore Mayor John Borrowman said.

“The situation is actually bad and getting worse,” he said. “Now some of the smaller creeks are starting to flood.

Evacuees were taken in at two local hotels and the town’s civic centre.