A wedged tree in Barcello Creek diverted the rushing water down a farmer’s driveway overnight May 5.
Emerson Khosa who’s family owns a 20-acre cherry and apple orchard said his parents woke up May 5 to find the drive on the east side of the property almost completely destroyed and many trees with roots showing.
The water rushed quickly through the Khosa’s property on Upper Bench and across the road continuing down Daly Drive.
Crews quickly attended the area after reports that water was rushing onto the road. The culprit tree was removed and the water began to flow back in the natural area of Barcello Creek, where hikers once walked up to see Barcello Canyon a well-known waterfall.
But before the tree could be removed a lot of dirt washed away from the drive and a significant amount of rock was washed into the rows of the orchard.
“The water was rushing fast,” Khosa said while giving the Review a tour of the damage to the orchard. “It doesn’t take long at all to damage the driveway and the trees when there’s that much water coming down.”
Khosa said the family and their two employees would be working hard over the weekend to repair the road and to remove the rock from the trees.
“We need to get out here spraying and the sprayer has to be able to get through here. It can’t get through right now,
he said.
Barcello Creek overflowed in 2012 destroying a part of the road.
Regional District Okanagan Similkameen emergency services warned residents that water is expected to continue rushing as warm temperatures continue to melt the snow pack and rain remains in the forecast.
If you experience flooding on your property the Review wants to hear from you. Call the office at 250-499-2653 or email editor@keremeosreview.com