New data from the Cariboo Regional District estimates that 47 properties were impacted by flooding on the Chilcotin River, mostly in the Big Creek area.

That is down from the initially estimated 120 properties that officials said could have been affected.

“That translates to about 18 residential properties, 23 ranching properties and six tourism related properties that were impacted,” said spokesperson Emily Epp. “And on those properties, that damage to residential homes is minimal and the majority of the impacts are to hayfields, irrigation channels, land, driveways and fencing – that kind of thing.”

Epp is urging all affected residents to attend a meeting at the Big Creek Community Hall tomorrow afternoon, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

She says the Emergency Operations Centre will close early next week, but the recovery unit will stay open.

“The main emergency response to the flooding has passed so now the focus is solely on recovery and our recovery unit will remain open and as we go into recovery, our role is to work with residents and help connect them to the other programs and services that the ministries are working on providing.”

Epp added that the recent rainfall in the area has not increased the flood risk in the area.

“We have gotten a bit of rain and what we’ve been told by the water river experts is that it hasn’t been enough to significantly raise up the concerns for water levels. The work continues on roads. I know they are working to repair those as quickly as they can.”

She says all of the affected properties have road access that has been restored, albeit some residents have detours to get to their properties. Epp notes the repair work is underway.

(Photo via Kai Nagata)