RV park near Keremeos remains on evacuation order as risk for rockslide remains

Photo: RDOS EOC

Residents at the Eagle RV Park and Campground outside of Keremeos will have to wait to return home as the area remains at risk for rockslides.

On Monday, Jan. 16, several large boulders tumbled down the mountainside, forcing Highway 3 to close and causing property damage just outside of Keremeos village boundaries.

An update from the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre on Friday afternoon stated they are awaiting the final engineering report for the rockslide.

"A summary indicates there is still risk to life due to cooling and warming temperatures creating an opportunity for freeze-thaw conditions that could contribute to further rock fall," their update reads.

The evacuation order issued on Monday remains in effect for one RV park and campground located at 3169-10th Avenue.

Residents are asked to continue to monitor RDOS web and social media channels for the latest updates. If risks increase for surrounding properties, the RDOS will issue additional Evacuation Alerts or Orders.

The Emergency Support Services (ESS) reception centre will re-open at Victory Hall, 427-7th Avenue in Keremeos on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to assist evacuees who require a renewal of support services.

Evacuees can visit the reception centre in Keremeos or call RDOS ESS at 250-486-1890. Those who require access to their property are advised to make a formal request through the RDOS ESS by calling 250-486-1890.

Everyone is asked to stay clear of the property on evacuation order until further notice. Security remains on site to protect properties under evacuation.

For further information, call the EOC Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 250-490-4225.