As evacuation orders along Cache Creek have been lifted, residents in about a dozen affected properties are expected to all return home this afternoon.

Speaking on the NL Morning News, Cache Creek Emergency Operations Centre spokesperson Wendy Coomber says there were properties that saw some water damage.

“There was one home, they lost part of their asphalt driveway into their property. A lot of banks sloughing and some people lost a bit of real estate with their homes,” she said. “It’s very disconcerting I imagine as you’re watching the front yard at your house disappear.”

Officials are continuing the monitor the Bonaparte River, with Coomber saying about 350 people along the river remain on an evacuation alert, with water levels expected to rise before the weekend.

“The residents have done a really good job of sandbagging their properties and doing as much as they can to keep them safe,” said Coomber.

“We’ve been told over the last week and a half the river is going to crest, but it keeps getting pushed back. We’re thinking its going to be in the next couple of days, but you’re never quite sure what’s going to happen.”

Coomber says residents are cautiously optimistic as the Bonaparte River is still flowing at a rate not seen in 20 to 50 years.

“We’re looking at predictions from places like the River Forecast Centre and Environment Canada, you know, sometimes the news is good and sometimes it leaves you wondering what’s going to happen next,” said Coomber. “It’s crazy when you’re in the hands of Mother Nature, but aren’t we all?”

The village of Cache Creek declared a state of local emergency last week, which as it stands, is set to expire at midnight tonight.