UPDATE: State of local emergency, evacuation order rescinded | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Kamloops News

UPDATE: State of local emergency, evacuation order rescinded

Lots of water in the Oak Hills area of Westsyde following heavy rains June 30, 2015.
Image Credit: Jamie Rye via Twitter
Original Publication Date July 01, 2015 - 8:35 AM

KAMLOOPS - The City of Kamloops will rescind the evacuation order and local state of emergency for all remaining homes at 6 p.m. today but for many residents, there won’t be much to return to for now.

The orders were made yesterday, June 30, after heavy rain created a flash flood in Westsyde, sending a ‘river of mud’ through a trailer park and impacting hundreds of homes on several streets. Most residents, including Irving Place, Parkview Drive, Rhonmore Crescent, Oak Hills Boulevard and the 2400 block of Westsyde Road residents were allowed back home at 2 p.m. today.

Power and gas utilities to the Oakdale Mobile Home Park won’t be back on until Friday at the earliest, which will be handled by the owner of the park. Those residents are entitled to emergency social services for food, clothing and shelter for up to 72 hours.

The City also confirmed today that Disaster Financial Assistance is available to cover losses not covered by insurance and most insurance doesn’t cover flood damage.

More information about claims is listed here: www.embc.gov.bc.ca/em/dfa_claims/dfa.html

Those going home will likely find perishable foods in freezers and fridges will need to be disposed of The City wishes to remind residents to remove perishable foods from fridges and freezers and dispose of as necessary.

If you must stay at home, the city also urges caution about using candles and open flame appliances because of risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Those not returning home immediately need to know on site security is gone.

The City of Kamloops is authorizing Westsyde residents to drop natural debris (mud, rocks, branches, etc.) at no charge at the Mission Flats Landfill until July 13.  Residents will be required to provide identification with proof of address.

The forecast for the Kamloops area is a hot and dry trend over the next few days.

The city is asking people to limit travel and watch their speeds in the impacted areas. Traffic control people are on scene managing traffic flow.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Glynn Brothen at gbrothen@infonews.ca or call 250-319-7494. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724

— This story was edited with updates at 2:16 p.m., 4 p.m. and edited for re-written at 5:38 p.m.

News from © iNFOnews, 2015
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