Extensive flood damage evident in Similkameen Valley as officials continue to assess damage

UPDATE: 4:30 p.m.

The BC River Forecast Centre has downgraded the flood risk for the Similkameen and Tulameen rivers.

They made the call Tuesday afternoon to change the "Flood Warning" designation, meaning impending flooding, to "High Streamflow Advisory," meaning river levels are rising but no flooding is expected except minor incidents in low-lying areas.

Properties in Princeton and Keremeos remain under evacuation order and alert.

The latest information on evacuations can be found here.

Physical access to many areas in Tulameen and Coalmont in particular is limited, according to the most recent RDOS update.

Assessments are being conducted via air operations, ground, and gathering public information. Additional Evacuation Orders may be issued in the area. In addition, Search and Rescue crews are assessing properties along the Tulameen River to the Town of Princeton.

"Please shelter in place if safe to do so and avoid all unnecessary travel. If you must leave your current location, check drivebc.ca for latest updates," reads the latest RDOS update.

UPDATE: 4 p.m.

Local politicians in the South Similkameen are calling for change in infrastructure and flood mitigation after the Similkameen River rose and a flood swept through on Monday.

Tim Roberts, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen director for rural Keremeos and Heldey explained that there has been a sigh of relief in the community since the water levels have gone down.

“They're feeling safe now. But some of them, especially those that have lost infrastructure, and buildings are angry, because they understand that the fix that could have taken place that they've been talking about in regards to the orphan dikes could have saved their property if it was looked after,” he said.

The big fear in the community is that the infrastructure and the components underneath the dikes are being damaged and will entirely break apart.

“When we're looking at these different dikes and these older dikes, a lot of them haven't been maintained. They were set for 100 year levels. And of course, now we're looking at 100 year level is now more likely what our 200 year level would be,” Roberts added.

Homes and trailer parks outside of Keremeos were hit when the river rose multiple feet on Monday morning, quickly flooding the area.

“We've been lobbying for improving the orphan dikes that were built in 1972, so we've been talking for almost 50 years,” Keremeos Mayor Manfred Bauer said.

He added that while the province is in the midst of changing the emergency act and putting in flood mitigation, the infrastructure problems with the dikes are of utmost importance to correct.

“We're not worried about the water coming over the dike, but actually affecting the integrity of the actual dike...and those are the kinds of spots that make us in Keremeos nervous because we don't know when the dike will break. It's not if, it's when.”

The red bridge, a historic landmark in the village, also sustained damage, as river levels rose and debris smashed through on Monday.

Although the river has since gone down on Tuesday, officials warn people to keep away.

Highway three remains closed at this time travelling out of Keremeos and into Princeton, with no indication of when it might open again.

Both Bauer and Roberts remain in constant communication with the Emergency Operation Centres and local authorities on water levels.

“We're still in a state of emergency, even though things have gone down, but we're keeping an eye on it and looking at are there places where the dikes had been undermined, and where we see seepage,” Roberts said.

“We've just been really fortunate that it went up fast and came down fast. Again, our hearts and our thoughts and prayers, as they say, is with Princeton right now, because of course, they've got the bulk of it along with Merritt.”

-with files from Casey Richardson

Photo: Tulameen Fire Department

The road to Tulameen Monday.

UPDATE: 1 p.m.

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has operations underway assessing the situation in the tiny communities of Coalmont and Tulameen, which have been cut off since flooding began Sunday night.

Residents who needed to leave their homes Monday were directed to the Tulameen Community Hall by the local fire department. Fire crews collected a list of available and safe, dry places to match evacuees with.

The RDOS will have an update on that situation at around 4 p.m.

In nearby Princeton, flood waters are receding, but its emergency management department is asking residents to remain clear of their homes.

"As the water is receding, many are desiring to check on their homes and property. We are asking people that you DO NOT return to your homes. Please allow crews and workers the room they need to assess damages and make the necessary repairs," they wrote in an alert Tuesday afternoon.

"Hindering the Emergency workers is not what is needed right now. Please be patient, and wait for the official word that it is safe to return to your home."

Anyone with garbage from flood damage at an evacuated home is asked not to take it to the landfill at this time.

Evacuees can register for Emergency Support Services at ess.gov.bc.ca.

The Town of Princeton has also set up a support line for any businesses that have been adversely affected by the flood. Contact Gary at 778-720-6104.