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Evacuation alert remains for Keremeos as Similkameen River recedes

The Lower Similkameen Indian Band has issued notice that both Chopaka bridges were compromised
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The Similkameen River flooded a part of the Riverside RV Park west of Keremeos on Monday, Nov. 15. By Tuesday, the waters were beginning to recede. (Keremeos Community News Facebook)

As the water levels slowly begin to ease, the Village of Keremeos and the surrounding area is looking at the impacts from the recent storm.

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen’s Emergency Operations Centre has asked residents to avoid bridges, roadways and dykes and to remain in place if safe to do so.

The Similkameen River’s activity was monitored through the night and into the morning by Keremeos Fire Department, while members of the RDOS EOC and engineers stood ready in case of any action.

By Tuesday morning the river had begun to recede and flow levels upstream were dropping.

READ MORE: Keremeos residents should prepare to evacuate, village says

Outside of the Village’s boundaries, the river had broken its banks and flooded areas close by, including the Riverside RV Park, which were put under an evacuation order by the RDOS Monday night. Several homes on Chopaka Road were also evacuated.

A notification from the Village said the Keremeos dike had been reinspected by engineers and remains strong, and that the sewer treatment plant was not impacted by this event and is functioning well.

The Village does remain under an evacuation alert, and the Lower Similkameen Indian Band had issued a notice advising that both of the Chopaka Bridges were compromised and are closed to traffic.

The evacuation alert issued by the LSIB for properties in the Ashnola, Alexis, Chopaka and Similkameen Indian Reserves also remains as of Tuesday.

To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.

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Brennan Phillips

About the Author: Brennan Phillips

Brennan was raised in the Okanagan and is thankful every day that he gets to live and work in one of the most beautiful places in Canada.
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