Flooding around Saddle Mountain Place in Lumby May 6, 2017.
Image Credit: Sarah Hamilton
May 08, 2017 - 3:09 PM
LUMBY - An evacuation order remains in effect for two dozen homes in Lumby, and many more properties are on alert as flood concerns remain high in the community.
According to deputy chief administrative officer Melanie Wenzoski, 24 homes — equating to about 50 people — are on an evacuation order and are not permitted back onto their properties.
Meanwhile, an alert remains in effect for 80 properties and the Village is still under a declared state of local emergency.
“It is nerve-wracking, especially when you’re dealing with people in the possibility of losing everything,” Wenzoski says. “But, the people affected by the orders have been so understanding. Being a small town, it’s been amazing seeing all the help and support.”
Residents, municipal workers and B.C. Wildfire crews worked around the clock over the weekend to sandbag the hardest hit areas.
While the situation has stabilized somewhat and creeks have begun to recede, the Village is expecting more runoff later this week. Environment Canada is predicting warm weather on Wednesday, followed by rain.
In preparation for what could be round two, Lumby is constructing emergency works along creek banks to minimize the risk to homes. The Village asks that residents and onlookers stay away from work areas for their own safety.
To date, 50,000 sandbags have been produced. Sandbags can be picked up in the parking lot across from the Curling Club on Shields Avenue. There are currently 18,000 available.
Anyone on an evacuation order is asked to register at the reception centre at 2250 Shields Avenue. Those on evacuation alerts do not need to register.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2017