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Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen coordinates to assist flooded communities

Flooding is affecting communities throughout region
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The waters of the Similkameen River have reached the underside of the Red Bridge near Keremeos as flooding ravages Princeton and Tulameen Monday. (Keremeos Fire Department)

With B.C. in a state of emergency Disaster Financial Assistance is approved for the Interior.

However, this assistance may not be available in certain circumstances including but not limited to if flood insurance was reasonably and readily available to a property owner. It may not be available for dwellings such as vacation homes and property other than a principal dwelling.

Those who require assistance in the communities of Tulameen and Coalmont, near Princeton, are asked to contact the Emergency Operations Centre immediately. Otherwise, please shelter in place if safe to do so and avoid all unnecessary travel. Those who must leave their current location are urged to check drivebc.ca for latest updates. Do not attempt to use backroads or breach barricades. If you or your neighbour are in harm’s way, please call 911.

The community of Eastgate is still without power. Those who are in this community and require assistance are asked to contact the Emergency Operations Centre. Access in and out of the community is available to the east on Highway 3 and north to Highway 5A to Kelowna.

A small number of properties near Cawston remain on evacuation order in the Chopaka area. An evacuation alert remains in effect along the Similkameen River near Cawston. Evacuation alerts and orders are being assessed and will be rescinded when safe to do so.

Evacuation orders remain in place for two RV parks west of Keremeos. An evacuation alert remains in effect along the Similkameen River in Keremeos. Evacuation alerts and orders are being assessed and will be rescinded when safe to do so.

Within the village of Keremeos, the evacuation order was rescinded on Tuesday, Nov. 16.

In the town of Princeton, evacuation alerts and orders remain in effect. Please visit www.princeton.ca or call 250-295-3135 for more information.

The regional district is continuing to conduct risk assessments via air operations, ground, and gathering public information.

In addition, search and rescue crews are assessing properties along areas impacted by flooding. They are monitoring for hazards, including fallen or unstable trees, damaged gas or power lines, and water and sewage contamination. Please visit Interior Health for more info and be aware of contaminated wells.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: 290 homes in Princeton under evacuation as flooding causes chaos

READ ALSO: Evacuation alert remains for Keremeos as Similkameen River recedes

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre is working with provincial agencies and responders to assess flooded communities across the region.

The Emergency Operations Centre is working with Indigenous communities, member municipalities, fire departments and community partners to ensure the safety of residents and provide the necessary supplies.

Those whose properties are under an evacuation order or alert due to flooding are asked to register with the Evacuee Registration and Assistance tool at ess.gov.bc.ca or call 1-833-498-3770.

Visit http://emergency.rdos.bc.ca for helpful links and information, or call the Emergency Operations Centre at 250-490-4225. Click the interactive map for current information including evacuation orders and alerts.

For information releases, evacuation orders and alerts within the regional district, please visit https://www.rdos.bc.ca/.

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John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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