Image Credit: Big Power Films

By Amandalina Letterio

COLDWATER FLOOD

Nicola Valley SAR team saves 37 Merritt residents, stays on-guard for upcoming flood risk

Nov 26, 2021 | 3:28 PM

MERRITT — Ryan Smith is just starting to catch up on his sleep. The president of the Nicola Valley Search and Rescue team says his crew got the call as soon as the Coldwater River burst its Banks in Merritt on Nov. 15.

“Every minute the water was just getting deeper and deeper and faster and faster,” Smith told CFJC News.

“It was just non-stop. We would switch out to try and warm up because the water was, I don’t even know what temperature it was… 6 or 7 degrees. We’d get back to the command centre, eat whatever food was dropped off by the local places and then head right back out,” he continued.

The Nicola Valley SAR is comprised entirely of volunteers. The team helped get 37 Merritt residents out of their homes during the flood. Search and rescue teams from all over B.C. joined.

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One crew even flew in on its helicopter and used its winch line to rescue a stranded family.

“It was devastating. To try and take it all in while we were in the water. All of our team were making comments like, ‘Jeez, I can’t believe this is happening. This is unreal. Where is this even heading?'” Smith recalled.

Just as Merritt first responders and residents are starting to catch their breath, Environment Canada has issued a heavy rainfall warning for this weekend, which could increase the risk of flooding.

Up to 60 mm of rain is expected to fall on the Coquihalla Highway from Merritt to Hope, so the City of Merritt will remain vigilant.

“The community that’s been allowed back remain under evacuation alert,” said Alan Stebbing, City of Merritt Public Information Officer.

“What we tell people is, be ready — that if something happens, we may have to get people out again. Of course, that’s our last option that we want to have to do. But we want to ensure that people are safe,” he added.

Although Nicola Valley Search and Rescue is ready to go at a moment’s notice, the team is hoping for the best.

“Hopefully the weather stays away from us. Gives us some reprieve and some resting time but we’re all on edge. And to be honest, since it happened, I don’t think we’ve really truly rested yet,” said Smith.

Officials are reminding the public to take precautions. Smith suggests packing an evacuation bag.

“Do what you can to stay safe. You can never be too prepared,” Smith urged.