Work continues to deal with flooding

From the province down to local levels, emergency operations groups are working on mitigation efforts at the Sportsmens Bowl area as water overflowing onto land continues to be a concern.

Related: Okanagan-Similkameen freshet looms large: district

Engineers for the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen and the Province of B.C. are continuously assessing the area and deployed crews are attempting to divert water flows back into the existing creeks and reinforcing the area with sandbags.

A strategic planning discussion took place April 22 with all agencies to develop strategies for each inundation area. These strategies and mitigation efforts will be bolstered by increased funding support through Emergency Management B.C.

In the coming days, expect to see more equipment, armouring protection and crews on site to undertake drainage and flooding mitigation. These works will take place from the Okanagan River River channel, over Island Way Rd. and up into and including Sportsmens Bowl. Once the works are in place and underway, information updates will be provided.

Residents currently on evacuation order will remain so until further notice, and those areas on evacuation alert should continue to be ready to evacuate should conditions deteriorate.

Related: 33 Oliver-area homes evacuated due to flooding

Residents or property owners requiring further assistance, call the Emergency Operations Centre at 250-490-4225.

For after-hours emergencies, please call the Provincial Emergency Program at 1-800-663-3456. For more information, go to www.rdos.bc.ca or on Facebook at RegionalDistrictOfOkanaganSimilkameen.