The City of Merritt is lifting evacuation orders for properties in Phases 3 and Phase 4 with some exceptions.
An evacuation alert for properties in Phase 1 and 2 was also lifted Friday morning, Dec. 3, as staff say the risk of flooding has passed.
“Properties that are under an Evacuation Order still qualify for ESS supports,” a statement from Assistant Emergency Information Officer, Alan Stebbing, said.
“The properties that remain under Evacuation Order are either: un-inhabitable, unsafe, do not have natural gas, do not have water, do not have sewer, do not have electricity, or a combination of these situations.”
People who live in properties that are not under an evacuation order will be allowed to return home today, Dec. 3. Those that are still on order can access their properties from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, until further notice.
“If your home is not in the New Evacuation Order area and it is un-inhabitable, please see the Merritt ESS at the Resiliency Centre located at the Merritt Civic Centre,” Stebbing added.
“If you are in the New Evacuation Order area and you have completed an inspection, service restoration or repair, and you believe your home is habitable, contact the Merritt ESS and it will be removed from the New Evacuation Order area. If your property is still un-inhabitable you must reconfirm every week with ESS to continue receiving supports.”
A boil water advisory is in place for the entire City of Merritt.
People are being told to be wary of hazards and potential dangers that come with accessing flood affected areas.
“Some roadways are not accessible due to infrastructure damage such as buckled sidewalks and roads and eroded road shoulders,” Stebbing said. “Other hazards include closed-off areas; contaminated soils; sinkholes; and extensive debris, mud, or water.”
“First responders and emergency vehicles may not be able to easily access all areas within the city.”
People are being reminded to check for damage to electrical or gas equipment that may have been damaged and to not turn anything on until it has been inspected by a licensed gas or electrical contractor.
For the details on the new evacuation orders in Merritt, go here.