Sunday, November 21, 2021 12:00 pm

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre (RDOS EOC) is working with Electoral Areas, Indigenous communities, member municipalities, fire departments, and community partners to ensure the safety of residents, provide the necessary supplies, and assist with recovery efforts.

Please avoid non-essential travel and follow any travel restrictions the Province of BC may impose under the provincial state of emergency. If you must leave your current location, check drivebc.ca for the latest updates. Please avoid working in or around fast-moving water and be aware of fallen or unstable trees and utility poles, damaged gas and power lines, and water and sewage contamination.

Transport Canada Area Restrictions

An interim restriction respecting certain flooded areas in British Columbia for all watercraft vessels has been issued by Transport Canada, including the areas of the Similkameen River and waters over the floodplains along Crowsnest Highway, from south of Hedley to the U.S. border, and Tulameen River and the waters over the floodplains in the vicinity of the village of Tulameen.

Rapid Damage Assessment teams are visiting properties in the region including Tulameen and Coalmont in Electoral Area H (Rural Princeton) as well as the Town of Princeton. Re-entry kits and information are being distributed directly to properties impacted by flooding. The RDOS Emergency Operations Centre is working with the Town of Princeton and partner agencies to identify and dispatch professional services including electrical, gas, and restoration.

If you have a coloured placard on your home, please be aware:

Electoral Area H (Rural Princeton) Tulameen and Coalmont

• An Evacuation Alert was issued at 10:00 am on November 18, 2021 for 265 addresses.
• An Evacuation Order remains in place for 69 properties in Coalmont, 33 in the Tulameen area
• A small number of homes remain without power.
• Search and Rescue and RCMP visited properties in the area to conduct wellness checks and provide information and support for those who need assistance leaving the area. Please visit Interior Health for more info and be aware of contaminated wells. If you require assistance, please contact the EOC immediately.
• If you or your neighbour are in harm’s way, please call 9-1-1.

Eastgate, San Ang and Manning Park

• An Evacuation Alert was issued at 10:15 am on November 20, 2021 for 148 addresses due to the continued impacts of flooding. If you are in this community and require assistance, please contact the EOC.
• Access in and out of Eastgate and Manning Park is available to the east on highway 3 and north to highway 5A to Kelowna.
• Power is still a concern in the community.

Electoral Area B (Cawston)

• 4 properties remain on Evacuation Order in the Chopaka area.
• An Evacuation Alert remains in effect along the Similkameen River.
• Evacuation Alerts and Orders are being assessed and will be rescinded when safe to do so.

Electoral Area G (Rural Keremeos)

• Evacuation Orders remain in place for two RV parks west of Keremeos.
• Evacuation Alert remains in effect along the Similkameen River.
• Evacuation Alerts and Orders are being assessed and will be rescinded when safe to do so.

Village of Keremeos

• Evacuation Order RESCINDED Tuesday, November 16, 2021. 

Town of Princeton

• Please visit www.princeton.ca or call 250-295-3135 for more information.

Recovering after a flood

Returning home after widespread flooding can be overwhelming. Use caution and take it one step at a time. Visit the Province of BC website for important links and information.

Clean-up after a flood

Know the hazards and when it is safe to return home. Visit HealthLinkBC for important links and information. If you have identified damage to your property please notify us 250-490-4225. We are aiming to provide rapid damage assessments as soon as soon as it is safe to do so.

Emergency Support Services

If your property is under Evacuation Order or Alert due to flooding, please register with the Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool ess.gov.bc.ca or call 1-833-498-3770.

Emergency Support Services renewals

If you are under evacuation and require continued evacuation support, please call 1-833-498-3770. Please only call if your status is within 24 hours of expiring and continued support is required.

Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA)

The Province of BC has approved DFA for the Interior (View the Disaster Financial Assistance website)

DFA may not be available in certain circumstances including, but not limited to:

•  If flood insurance was reasonably and readily available to a property owner.
•  Dwellings such as vacation homes and property other than a principal dwelling.

Donations and Assistance

If you would like to donate funds or supplies for evacuees, please email donations@gov.bc.ca or call the Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-418-1111.

If you would like to donate funds or supplies to Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT), please visit alertcanada.org or call 250-809-7152.

Please consult with Interior Health before offering or providing well water, milk from your cows or other dairy animals, or home-cooked meals.

Drinking Water

Well water may be compromised after a flood and should be tested prior to consumption. If you are unsure about the safety of your drinking water, follow the guidance provided here: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/disinfecting-drinking-water

Agriculture and Livestock assistance

Livestock relocation assistance is available to producers impacted by flooding. Please contact the RDOS EOC for information about agricultural support. 

Visit http://emergency.rdos.bc.ca for helpful links and information, or call the EOC: 250-490-4225

Click the interactive map for current information including Evacuation Orders and Alerts.  

For further information, please call the EOC during regular business hours Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm

Issued by EOC Director