By Jill Sperling

Evacuation Alert issued for Joeyaska Reserve east of Merritt

Apr 28, 2018 | 11:35 AM

MERRITT, B.C. — Residents of the Joeyaska Reserve just east of Merritt have been asked to prepare for evacuations. 

The Lower Nicola Indian Band issued an evacuation alert Friday night prompted by the flooding of Godey Creek. 

Chief Aaron Sumexheltza says some basements have already had water seeping in.

He says the Lower Nicola Indian Band will keep a close eye on the situation to try and prevent the kind of flooding they dealt with last year.

“Last year we did experience quite a bit of flooding, we had evacuation alerts and evacuation orders. This year it’s actually a different creek,” Sumexheltza said.

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: Who would survive if we had a recall law for City councils?

8h ago

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Strengthening our wildfire training

Apr 17, 2024

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: City caught flat-footed with sale of The Loop drop-in property

Apr 17, 2024

“We don’t have any evacuation orders in place, but it’s really important that we do everything we can working with government, and the City of Merritt, and local stakeholders to do everything we can to make sure we protect our residents, and protect their property. I’m hoping that the situation doesn’t get as bad as it did last year.” 

Sumexheltza adds he is hopeful the cooler weather Saturday will work in the reserve’s favour.