RDKB expands evacuation orders to 1125 additional properties
By Boundary Sentinel
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has expanded evacuation orders to 1125 additional properties in Areas C, D, and E, from Christina Lake through the West Boundary, including Grand Forks a media release said Thursday.
“Due to imminent danger to life and health due to flooding, the RDKB has ordered the evacuation of additional properties in the Kettle and Granby River floodplains,” the release said.
“Today an additional 114 properties in the Christina Lake area, 380 in the City of Grand Forks and south valley, 89 in the North Fork area, 12 properties in Greenwood, 35 properties in Midway, 6 properties in Rock Creek, 142 in the Christian Valley area, 141 in the Beaverdell area, 158 in the Carmi area, and 48 in Westbridge and north. This is in addition to 33 properties ordered evacuated over the past two days, for a total of 1158 properties representing nearly 2500 residents.”
The RDKB said residents at the affected properties must leave immediately.
“These properties were placed under evacuation alert over the past 48 hours advising residents to be ready to leave should conditions warrant. As of this morning, all properties within the 200-year floodplain have been escalated to evacuation orders. An evacuation order means residents must leave the area immediately and report to the closest reception centre.”
The RDKB said water levels have exceeded the levels seen in 1948, and flows are likely to rise through the remainder of the day and overnight.
Affected residents, including those staying with family or friends, should register as soon as possible at the Emergency Social Services (ESS) Reception Centre at:
- Grands Forks Curling Rink, 7230 21st Street, Grand Forks, B.C.
- Midway Community Centre, 692 7th Avenue, Midway, B.C.
Call the Emergency Operations Centre at 1-888-747-9119 if you are unable to physically check in at the reception centre, or if you need help with transportation.
Important Safety Information
- It is extremely important to be safe when near floodwater. River levels can rise quickly and currents can be unpredictable.
- The ground can be soft and unstable causing extremely poor footing.
- Exercise extreme caution.
