The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has declared a State of Local Emergency in Electoral Area “M” to allow proactive flood mitigation work on Guichon Creek in the community of Lower Nicola to take place.

It says various flood protection measures, including the placement of sandbags and water-filled “tiger dam” barriers will be deployed along areas of the Creek that have been identified as particularly high-risk.

“These actions are taking place in coordination with the Lower Nicola Indian Band,” the TNRD said in a statement late on Sunday evening. “At this time no evacuation alerts or orders are in effect for Electoral Area “M”, or elsewhere in the TNRD’s jurisdiction.”

As of Monday morning, the BC River Forecast Centre says Guichon Creek remains under a flood watch, with most of the rest of Electoral Area “M” – near Merritt – under a high streamflow advisory.

Residents can report flooding or request sand or sandbags by calling the TNRD Emergency Operations Centre at 250-377-7188. Information on sandbag locations can also be found here.

Flood Warnings, Flood Watches and High Streamflow Advisories from the River Forecast Centre remain in place throughout the Thompson Nicola region. To view all current flood warnings and advisories from the province, click here.

For the latest from the River Forecast Centre, go here.

The TNRD is performing proactive flood mitigation for Guichon Creek in the community of Lower Nicola.

For more info visit: https://t.co/z2JlNILLAp pic.twitter.com/sQ7ZxfDjrq

— TNRD (@TNRD) May 8, 2023