May 13, 2018 - 11:19 AM
GRAND FORKS, B.C. - Emergency crews are mapping damage and repairing failed dykes across the Boundary region of British Columbia during a break from surging waters that are expected to return this week.
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary says about 3,000 residents remain on evacuation order due to the ongoing threat of a second flood, with high forecasted temperatures expected melt snow at higher elevations.
While it has downgraded 74 properties in the downtown core from evacuation orders to evacuation alerts, the regional district is urging property owners to keep sand bags in place and be prepared to leave again at a moment's notice.
Members of the public are reminded not to enter evacuation order zones, even on boats, because of serious safety concerns.
The regional district says re-entry plans for several neighbourhoods have been put on hold now that river modelling shows a second crest should reach levels similar to last week.
Crews are using digital assets, GIS technology and aerial surveys to quickly map damaged areas and compile data about flood impacts today.
The regional district says some dykes failed when overtopped by floodwaters and crews are repairing them in priority sequences, as well as pumping water from low-lying neighbourhoods close to the dyke breaches.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2018