Flooding on Channel Parkway in Penticton, July 4, 2022
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Paige Miskiman
Republished July 04, 2022 - 4:48 PM
Original Publication Date July 04, 2022 - 3:18 PM
The City of Penticton has declared at state of emergency due to flooding in the city.
There are eight Penticton Fire Department crews in the community currently providing rapid damage assessments. The crews will assess if the home is safe for occupancy, according to a press release issued by the city today, July 4.
The Emergency Support Services reception centre has been opened at 199 Ellis St. in Penticton for those who have been advised to evacuate by the fire department. Anyone told to evacuate is asked to register with support services.
Residents are also being asked to exercise extreme caution near fast-flowing creeks and to be aware of potential slides on hillsides and driving conditions in the city continue to be dangerous due to pooling water, gravel and debris on the roads. The city is also warning of potential slides.
Drive B.C. is reporting flooding along Channel Parkway (Highway 97) between Fairview Road and Duncan Avenue, and is warning drivers to expect delays.
Penticton resident Cindy Holmes, who lives on Duncan Avenue, said water started gushing into her basement this afternoon within about a 15 minute timespan when the down pour initially started. This isn't the first time the complex has experienced flooding, she said, but the last time was in 2015 or 2016, she said.
"All my friends right now are coming and helping me because I'm going in for a hip replacement. It's just a nightmare right now," she said. "It's the whole (block), we're flooded."
Her neighbour's basement is destroyed. "It's literally pouring through the windows."
They've been using a pump to get the water out and comforters to keep the water away from a bedroom in the basement but Holmes said there will be damage. She doesn't have insurance but she and her children recently cleaned the basement and reorganized it in case of flooding.
Video Credit: Paige Miskiman
Flooding on Highway 97 in Penticton
"Residents experiencing flooding and who have concerns about the safety of their homes are asked to contact 250-490-2307 ext. 7. The City’s Emergency Operations Centre is responding to overland flooding from the flash rain event and are bringing in rapid damage assessment teams as well as public works to assist residents and assess impacts to public infrastructure," a city media release reads.
Sandbags are available for residents at the Public Works Yards building at 616 Okanagan Ave.
Flooding on Duncan Ave in Penticton, July 4, 2022
Image Credit: FACEBOOK/Cindy Holmes
Water is halfway up the Cindy Holmes basement windows, July 4, 2022.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Cindy Holmes
— This story was updated at 4:48 p.m. Monday, July 4, 2022, to include more information from the city.
— This story was updated at 4:22 p.m. Monday, July 4, 2022, to include a comment from a flooded homeowner.
— This story was updated at 3:35 p.m. Monday, July 4, 2022, to include a video of the flooding along Channel Parkway.
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