TNRD declares State of Emergency in the Lower Nicola

May 18, 2017 | 12:30 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has declared a Local State of Emergency for Area ‘N’ – Beautiful Nicola Valley-South.

Information Officer Mike Garrett says the Nicola River is rising to dangerous levels.

WATCH: Full report by Chad Klassen

“This will give us the authority to perform emergency work. Specifically, it enables work on the Nicola River, to protect four properties that are on Nooaitch Band land, and on Petit Creek Road,” said Garrett.

Today’s declaration comes in addition to States of Emergency already in place in Area ‘M’ – Beautiful Nicola Valley-North, and an evacuation order in place for the Cherry Creek area west of Kamloops.

“We’re still keeping an eye on the Lower Nicola area around Guichon Creek, nothing has changed there. We are also keeping an eye on Nicola Lake, and Harmon Estates. That lake is rising, but we haven’t had any reports of change there. Cherry Creek is also something we are keeping an eye on.”

Garrett says the TNRD is concerned about a sunny, warm forecast for the days ahead, which could accelerate the snowmelt and cause rivers to rise even further.

RELATED VIDEO: TNRD recommending boaters stay off Nicola Lake this long weekend