Warm weather in B.C. prompts flooding, evacuation orders

#B.C.Floods; #evacuationorders; 

Cawston, B.C., Apr 30 (Canadian-Media): Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen had been forced to issue a local state of emergency due to flooding near Cawston, British Columbia (B.C.), media reports said.

Higher temperatures had reportedly caused the melting of the ice across most of B.C., giving resulting floodings and the consequent evacuation of properties across the province. 

With grounds already saturated with flooding waters  potential rainfall in various regions will likely make matters worse, said the emergency officials.

The provincial government issued a written statement urging the public to be prepared for localized flooding instructing them to stay away from river and lake shorelines; to avoid driving through flood water, protect homes with sandbags and by moving equipment to higher ground and to be aware of sudden changes with water color or levels, which could indicate a problem upstream. 

The threat of flooding has prompted officials to declare a local state of emergency for the Tulameen area near Princeton, B.C. 

Floods. Image credit: Pixaby

Most of the flooding is reportedly caused by the Otter Lake at the northern tip of the town, where there is a mix of recreational and residential properties.

The district has also issued local state of emergency for Cawston, near Keremeos, also because of the threat of flooding. 

The Cariboo Regional District has declared a state of local emergency for some areas in the Nazko Valley region because of immediate danger from flooding. 

The district said it has issued an evacuation order for 74 properties in the Nazko Valley region. 

Affected residents should register at the reception centre in the Quesnel Recreation Centre at 500 North Star Road, which will be open until 10:00 p.m.

A slope above the homes was reportedly starting to slide down, threatening properties.

Geotechnical engineers were monitoring the scope,

People are urged to avoid the area due to the hazard of the unstable, water-logged slope.

Self-serve sand and sandbags are available at 15 locations and can be found using this map.Warm weather in B.C. prompts flooding, evacuation orders.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)
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