The Niagara region in Canada took the initiative to declare a state of emergency before a rare total solar eclipse that is expected to occur on April 8 and attract large crowds at and around the famous waterfalls area.
The region said in a statement that Governor Jim Bradley declared a state of emergency “out of an abundance of caution.”
“Declaring a state of emergency… strengthens the tools the region has to maintain the health and safety of residents and visitors and protect our critical infrastructure from any eventualities that may occur,” a Niagara Region press release said.
The eclipse passes over the picturesque waterfalls located on the Canadian-American border, and many flock to hotels and inns available for rent before the phenomenon occurs to witness it at one of the natural wonders of North America.
Jim Diodati, Governor of Niagara Falls in the Canadian province of Ontario, expected this to be “the largest audience we have ever seen, by a large margin” on the Canadian side to watch the eclipse.
Diodati estimated that up to about a million people would attend, compared to the 14 million people who typically visit the region over the course of an entire year.
The district will also modify some of its programs and services and close some facilities to keep traffic off the roads on April 8.
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