TNRD dealing with high water all over the region

May 8, 2017 | 12:20 PM

MERRITT —Throughout the region, communities are dealing with high water causing road closures, detours, and in some cases, whole highways have been washed out.

Lower Nicola residents were cut off from Merritt, as high water shut down Highway 8 near Marshall Road over the weekend. While the bridge in the area is still intact, debris from Guichon creek spilled over the roadway, covering the surface of the highway. Some residents in the area have already been evacuated, while other parts remain under an evacuation alert.

“Properties on alert are the one nearest Guichon Creek,” Debbie Sell, TNRD Emergency Operations Centre Information Officer told CFJC Today. “Over the weekend, there were some issues with road closures… since that time, there was a reopnening… which allowed access to the residents of Lower Nicola back into Merritt.”

Residents in other areas are also dealing with high water; Mill Creek Road near Merritt remains closed; waters were rising in Quilchena near the resort; creeks have spilled their banks along Mamit Lake Road; and Highway 97C has washed out completely 12 km from the Walloper Interchange, between Logan lake and Kamloops. Sell says they’re monitoring the situation, so they can be ready in case any more flooding occurs.

“It’s really difficult to predict,” Sell explained. “It really depends on Mother Nature at this point.”

Sell said residents who are looking for assistance or information can call the TNRD EOC at 1-866-377-7718. She also said the province has just announced Disaster Financial Assistance will be available to those residents and business owners who have been affected by the flooding. More information on accessing those funds can be found here.