Image Credit: City of Merritt

By Dylana Kneeshaw

EVACUATION ORDER

Coldwater River breaches banks, City of Merritt issues flooding evacuation orders

Nov 15, 2021 | 4:47 AM

MERRITT — UPDATE 8:20 a.m: According to the City of Merritt, the area’s wastewater system has now failed. All residents are asked to immediately cease all water consumption, and halt drain use. Flushing toilets or running a faucet at this time will result in it backing up into your home. More to come

PREVIOUS: The City of Merritt has issued evacuation orders for multiple properties, due to flooding from the Coldwater River.

In a noticed posted to the municipality’s website earlier this morning (Nov. 15), the city says the river has breached its banks in multiple locations.

City crews are knocking on doors in the affected areas, and residents who are in the flood plain area are being told to evacuate immediately.

This would include the 200 year flood plain of the Coldwater River, South of Nicola Avenue. Maps below indicate which areas are impacted.

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Residents under Evacuation Order are asked to gather a 72-hour kit, and register at the ESS Reception Centre at 1950 Mamette Ave (Merritt Civic Centre).

The City says it has 50 beds at the ESS Reception Centre and staff are working on obtaining more. Residents are strongly encouraged to billet with friends and family in the community, as this is currently the safest option for evacuees.

Update as of 7:10 a.m: Houston Street is threatened with water – making the only route into or out of Collettville at risk. As such, all residents in the Collettville area must leave immediately, and evacuees are being directed to Kamloops to register with Emergency Support Services at McArthur Island. The evacuation order will be enforced by the RCMP.  Main Street and Voght Street bridges are also inundated with water and should not be used.

All schools within District 58 will be closed today due to flooding. This includes both the Merritt and Princeton sides of the district.

Additionally, the City of Merritt is asking all residents to cease all non-essential water use immediately.

Click here to access the City of Merritt website for updates.

Image Credit: City of Merritt

Image Credit: City of Merritt

Image Credit: City of Merritt

Image Credit: City of Merritt