Trapped Chinese couldn't read English warnings  

加拿大数十华人因不谙英语遭洪水围困

(CNS) -- Dozens of Chinese living in Canada were trapped in Calgary's Chinatown on Friday, even though flood evacuation notices had been posted the day before.

The Calgary government issued evacuation notices amid heavy rainfall and widespread flooding, but several Chinese ignored the notices in their buildings because of their poor English skills.

An occupant of one of the buildings said she heard a knock at her door Thursday night, but didn't answer it because she couldn't understand what the person was saying.

Though the government's evacuation notices are mandatory, police in Calgary don't have the authority to force people to leave their residences. And due to the blackout, residents have also been unable get notices through local Chinese media.

Volunteer workers have been sent to help the stranded people.