One week after 33 Oliver-area homes were evacuated, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) announced it has expanded the mandatory evacuation order by one property.
According to a news release issued by the RDOS, a total of 13 properties with 16 addresses are now under the order in the region of Sportsmens Bowl Road due to flooding from Park Rill Creek just north of Oliver.
Related:Frustrations overflow at Oliver flooding meeting
The release indicates the added property was outside the previous area covered by the order. All residents and animals on the land in question were safely removed over several days with the assistance of Emergency Social Services.
Non residents are asked to stay away from the area for their safety and the safety of the workers on site.
“With dangerously high snow pack, warm temperatures and expected rain, everyone should stay well back from all creeks and rivers in the Southern Interior,” reads the release. “Flash flooding, failure of slopes, and debris flows can occur, making even small creeks dangerous.”
Related: 33 Oliver-area homes evacuated
As well, regions where forest fires have occurred will be especially unstable due to a loss of vegetation, destabilizing banks according to officials.
Last Saturday the evacuation was conducted by members of the Oliver Fire Department and RDOS contractors.
The Emergency Operations Centre will remain open this weekend and can be reached at 250-490-4225. Road conditions can be found at www.DriveBC.ca and for the latest on flooding go to www.rdos.bc.ca and on Facebook.