Work is underway to assist people in the Cariboo Regional District affected by flooding on the Chilcotin River in the area of Big Creek and Nemiah Valley areas.

The water levels are continuing to recede, and there aren’t many homes that are impacted, according to Spokesperson Emily Epp.

However, she says the impacts on outbuildings, hayfields, irrigation channels, and fencing is significant.

“So we would like residents in the area to call in to our Emergency Operations Centre to talk to our agriculture liaison to report on what impacts they are seeing. He can answer any of their questions,” Epp said. “And as they start to to work on maybe repairs in and about the streams, we are hoping that they’ll call in and talk to our Water Stewardship Liaison for approvals.”

Epp says at this time there is no estimate on the scope or magnitude of the damage caused by the flooding because a lot of the land affected is still too wet with limited access.

However, all of the affected CRD properties have had road access restored with repairs expected to be completed this week, and Epp is urging residents to report damage as soon as possible.

Non-residents are being asked to avoid travelling in flood-impacted areas, with the latest information and restrictions available on Drive BC and the Forest District websites.

A public meeting will be held next Saturday to give residents an update as steps are taken towards recovery plans.

(Photo via Kai Nagata)