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Osoyoos residents still on evacuation notice as officials begin draining reservoirs

Two water reservoirs near Osoyoos being drained over weekend, residents still on evacuation alert

The evacuation alert is continuing for the Regal Ridge subdivision on Anarchist Mountain by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.

On Thursday an evacuation alert was issued by the RDOS due to potential water and debris flow caused by a breached earthen dam upstream on Nine Mile Creek. Officials said the situation will be re-assessed on Monday.

The RDOS said under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Forest, Land and Natural Resources, the property owner is safely draining the two water reservoirs. The process will continue over the upcoming weekend and progress reported on Monday. The expected flow of water down the creek should not exceed the natural rain experienced on April 26 said the RDOS.

"It is the ministries intention to have the reservoirs drained and dams de-commissioned. All visitors and residents should stay away from Nine Mile Creek and prepare to possibly leave their premises on very short notice if the order is given," said RDOS emergency services supervisor Dale Kronebusch. "Plans should include the removal of valuables and important documents."