BC

Photo: Kerry Barnhardt

High water in the Shuswap has flooded the Claiters' crawl space and also affected other homes in the area.

-With files from Kerry Barnhardt

In the town of Scotch Creek in the North Shuswap, helicopters flew overhead spraying for mosquitoes while Sharon and Don Claiter on were busy filling sand bags.

Their home, like many along Shuswap Lake frontage road now has water in the crawl space, while neighbours down the road have it entering the house and are moving furniture out.

The Claiters say they are doing what they can to be prepared by sand bagging and bringing in fill and shoring up. Sharon adds that information messages are mixed but they understand they are hearing the worst case scenario from authorities in order to be prepared.

The new sewage system installed by the Little Shuswap Band on its lands has helped alleviate some of the damage.

To the east on the Adams River flat, water is being pumped and hauled away to hold off septic from contaminating the lake.

To the west, residents have witnessed neighbours deck chairs floating by and water coming over the summer home decks.

This weekend, with more rain predicted, the Claiters will likely have to wait a little while longer before they're able to relax and start enjoying their summer at the lake.