UPDATED: Evacuation Alerts rescinded for Duhamel Creek, Village of Salmo & areas
By Lone Sheep Publishing
Should I stay or should I go?
The latest is stay as the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has rescinded the Evacuation Alerts for both Six Mile around the Duhamel Creek fan and the Village of Salmo and communities of Erie and Ymir in Area G to the risk of flooding.
Evacuation Alert rescinded [PDF – 572 KB]
“Based on the long range weather forecast and in consultation with technical experts, we are able to remove the Evacuation Alert for Duhamel Creek,” said Sangita Sudan, RDCK EOC Director.
“However residents in Six Mile and throughout the RDCK need to understand freshet season is far from over. It is imperative for residents to be prepared and stay informed by monitoring local weather and current stream flows.”
Sudan said regarding Salmo and Area G, residents need to understand that freshet is expected to continue through the end of May and need to remain vigilant and prepared.
“The reality is this area is suseptible to flooding and there is still a significant amount of snowmelt,” Sudan explained.
“(W)eather patterns can change instantly and currently the RDCK remains on flood watch from the BC River Forecast Centre.”
The RDCK warns everyone to stay away from the edges of watercourses and report any erosion or flooding to the Provincial Emergency Coordinator Centre at 1.800.663.3456
Updates or changes to the Evacuation Alert will be provided via the RDCK website, Facebook and Twitter as more information becomes available. For details about evacuation and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. The RDCK EOC public inquiry line is 250.352.7701.
What residents can do to be prepared:
- Sandbags and sand are available for residents at KP Park in Salmo at the baseball diamond and Ymir Fire Hall. For other locations throughout the RDCK check out www.rdck.ca/befloodprepared
- If you have livestock or large animals, now is the time to consider moving them.
- If you are not physically able to evacuate yourself, contact the EOC public inquiry line at 250.352.7701
Add Duhamel Creek to Evacuation Alert that includes Village of Salmo, parts of Electoral Area G
Add Duhamel Creek in Area F to the latest places under Evacuation Alert due to potential flooding in the Regional District of Central Kootenay.
The RDCK Emergency Operations Centre placed properties near Duhamel Creek, north of Nelson, on the alert Friday due to forecasting of heavy rain due to the possibility of thunderstorms by Environment Canada. The forecast has placed the entire RDCK under flood watch by the BC River Forecast Centre.
“The rainfall forecast may pose a threat to the structural integrity of the Duhamel Creek flood protection works (diking structure),” the RDCK media release said.
“Flooding of areas adjacent to affected waterbodies may occur.”
The RDCK EOC said at this time residents or visitors within the area are not required to evacuate, however the RDCK advises people to remain vigilant and be prepared to leave the area at a moment’s notice.
The RDCK EOC recommends residents prepare an emergency kit and ensure preparedness, including moving pets and livestock to a safe area, in the event the situation worsens and an Evacuation Order is enforced.
The RDCK EOC said that part of any plan should include backup place to stay if evacuated.
The properties affected near Duhamel Creek can be seen by clicking this link.
Evacuation Alert issued for Village of Salmo, parts of Electoral Area G
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has issued an Evacuation Alert for 892 properties in the Village of Salmo and the communities of Erie and Ymir in Electoral Area G due to risk of flooding.
The decision is based on the weather forecast and consultation with Water Stewardship.
The properties affected in the Salmo area can be seen by clicking this link.
“Environment Canada is forecasting heavy rain with the possibility of thunderstorms today and the BC River Forecast Centre has the entire RDCK under flood watch,” the RDCK media release said.
“Erie Creek, the Salmo River and all surrounding tributaries are rising and will approach or may exceed the river banks. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected waterbodies may occur.”
The RDCK said at this time residents or visitors within the area are not required to evacuate, however the RDCK advises people to remain vigilant and be prepared to leave the area at a moment’s notice.
“The key to emergency preparedness is knowing the risks in your area and having a plan,” the RDCK said.
“Take the time NOW to assemble your family Emergency Kit and Grab and Go Bag and ensure preparedness. Your plan should include moving pets and livestock to a safe area, in the event the situation worsens and an Evacuation Order is enforced. Part of your plan should also include where you can go if evacuated.”
The RDCK warns everyone to stay away from the edges of watercourses and report any erosion or flooding to the Provincial Emergency Coordinator Centre at 1.800.663.3456
Updates or changes to the Evacuation Alert will be provided via the RDCK website, Facebook and Twitter as more information becomes available. For details about evacuation and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. The RDCK EOC public inquiry line is 250.352.7701.
What residents can do to be prepared:
- Sandbags and sand are available for residents at KP Park in Salmo at the baseball diamond and Ymir Fire Hall. For other locations throughout the RDCK check out www.rdck.ca/befloodprepared
- If you have livestock or large animals, now is the time to consider moving them.
- If you are not physically able to evacuate yourself, contact the EOC public inquiry line at 250.352.7701
