Few claims from rainstorm

Photo: Twitter

Only a few claims have been filed since a violent rainstorm blew through Kamloops last month, leaving some residents with flooded basements and some motorists trapped on the rooftops of their vehicles.

According to Emergency Management BC, there have only been eight residential applications, and none from small businesses, tenants, farms or charitable organizations.

Public Affairs Officer Stuart Bertrand acknowledges they did expect more claims to be filed, and alludes to the fact that more might still be coming. He also says insurance might be available for some residents, especially if any damage caused was due to storm sewer back up, instead of overland flooding.

The sudden rainstorm dropped 25 millimetres of rain in less than a half hour during the afternoon of July 23, causing flash floods and landslides.

Shortly after the storm blew through, Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar pegged the damage at $3 million.

Residents who experienced damage still have time to file a claim. The deadline for disaster financial assistance is October 27.

Emergency Management even has a senior evaluator in the region who is working with the local government to evaluate private sector claims.