Heavy rains and melting snow are to blame for the declaration of a local state of emergency in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia.
The state declared itself in the Kelowna area on Tuesday afternoon in response to isolated flooding along three streams, officials said.
The affected areas are along Mission Creek, Scotty Creek and part of Mill Creek.
Citizens are urged to avoid affected areas to allow space emergency services to do their job and to call 911 only in the event of an emergency, not to report flooding or related concerns.
These concerns can be reported to the caller’s city or district.
In the early hours of the day, residents along the first stream were told to be prepared to leave when a body of water swells due to recent rains.
People living near Mission Creek struggled to fill sandbags to protect their homes while monitoring water levels.
The stream overflowed its banks, prompting the regional district to activate its emergency operations center. It also tells residents to have an evacuation plan for them and their pets, in case they need to leave.
Kelowna saw more rain than expected during a 24-hour period, resulting in increased snowmelt and increased water.
Nearly two dozen vehicles have been moved from the airport car park due to flooding.
Some sections of roads in the affected area have been cut off, such as Radant, Bulman, KLO and Casorso.
Updates are being provided through Okanagan Central Emergency Operations.
Staff members are working with other agencies to manage the situation and city teams have been sent to inspect the bridges and monitor water levels.
Sand and sandbags can be collected on Gordon and Lequime Roads for those who are concerned about protecting their property.
Under the local state of emergency, the authorities in the affected area may acquire or use land and personal property in their response to the emergency.
They may also authorize or compel persons to provide such assistance as may be necessary to provide, if necessary, enforce the evacuation of areas and the removal of livestock and animals, and to demolish or remove structures, trees and crops if necessary. cal.
They can enter buildings without order if their entry is necessary to implement an emergency plan.