Hundreds of properties in the Coldwater and Nicola river watersheds have been put on an evacuation alert by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Saturday evening.
The total number of properties on alert is not known, however it spans three areas of the TNRD – Area I (Blue Sky Country), Area M (Beautiful Nicola Valley – North), and Area N (Beautiful Nicola Valley – South).
“This evacuation alert has been issued so that residents in low-laying areas adjacent to vulnerable
rivers, streams, and creeks can prepare to evacuate their premises or property should it be
necessary,” the TNRD said, in a statement.
“Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to an evacuation order being
issued, however you may receive limited notice due to quickly-changing conditions.”
An evacuation order that covered 49 properties within the areas mentioned is still in effect.
Evacuation orders also remain in place for a portion of the City of Merritt, the Coldwater Indian Band, the Shackan Indian Band, the Nooaitch Indian Band, and the Cook’s Ferry Indian Band.
“Based on the current weather outlook and modelling from the River Forecast Centre, heavy rainfall
in the Southern Interior poses a potential threat to people and property in the Coldwater and Lower
Nicola watersheds,” the regional district said, in a statement.
People who are now on an evacuation alert are being told to:
- Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area,
should an Evacuation Order be called while separated; - Pack essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable
papers (e.g. insurance, credit, and mortgage information), immediate care needs for
dependents and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure; - Prepare to move disabled persons, children and/or neighbors if assistance is needed;
- Prepare to take pets with you and move livestock to a safe area (if possible);
- Arrange transportation for all your household members. Fill gas tanks of personal vehicles;
- Arrange accommodation for all members of your household.
You’ll find a map of the affected areas here.
For the latest on evacuation alerts and orders in the TNRD, go here. For information on road conditions and travel advisories, go here.