Evacuation rescinded

Photo: OIB

UPDATE: 4:05 p.m.

The evacuation order for 188 homes near Osoyoos Friday night has been fully rescinded.

The order was issued by the Osoyoos Indian Band Chief and Council for the NK’Mip Road and Osoyoos Cottages area due to the potential for a landslide on Inkaneep Creek.

While the order has been rescinded Saturday afternoon, the Osoyoos Indian Band warns that the order could be reissued if it's deemed necessary.

UPDATE: 8:55 a.m.

Officials with the Osoyoos Indian Band will be flying over the slide site this morning to get a closer look at the situation.

“We're going up in a helicopter at 10 o'clock to take a look at it,” said OIB Coun. Tony Baptiste. “We are taking a geo-tech with us and he's going to look at it and make a determination whether we need to lift it (evacuation notice) or not.”

ORIGINAL: Friday, 11:40 p.m.

The Osoyoos Indian Band has issued an evacuation order to 188 properties along Inkameep Creek near Osoyoos.

OIB Coun. Tony Baptiste says a landslide has blocked the creek upstream.

“It’s filling up behind it, and they are saying now that it could let go, and send a lot of debris down the creek,” he said late Friday night.

Evacuees are asked to report to the Oliver Legion at 36217 Hwy 97. Those without accommodation will be provided with the basics.

“If people decide to stay, it puts everybody in danger, because people have to rescue them. Access could be cut off,” Baptiste added.

The evacuation order is in place for all homes south of Water Dog Lake 3143-2711 Nk’Mip Road up to and including Osoyoos Cottages properties 2450 Radio Tower Road.

Members of the RCMP and Oliver Fire Department are assisting in the evacuation.

Castanet will update as more information becomes available.