RDCK

Evacuation Alert issued for Duhamel Creek

7:45 pm PST

Nelson, BC:  The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has issued an Evacuation Alert for 165 properties in the community of Six Mile, just north of the City of Nelson, around the Duhamel Creek fan in Electoral Area F due to potential for flooding.

Weather forecasting and hydrologist assessment indicate that Duhamel Creek may rise rapidly overnight. Debris in the creek channels, shallow flood depth and ponding may be observed.

Evacuation Alert Duhamel Creek Map

Evacuation Alert – List of affected properties

At this time residents or visitors within the area are not required to evacuate, however the RDCK advises people to remain vigilant and to be prepared to leave the area at a moment’s notice. The key to emergency preparedness is knowing the risks and having a plan. Know the hazards in your areas and take the time NOW to assemble your family Emergency Kit and Grab and Go Bag. Your plan should also include where you will meet if you need to evacuate, including how you would move pets and livestock to a safe area, in the event the situation worsens, and an Evacuation Order is enforced.

The BC River Forecast centre has issued a Flood Watch for the West Kootenay region which covers the entire Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), including the tributaries around Trout Lake, Lardeau River, Kaslo, Nakusp, and Nelson. Warmer weather over the past few days has led to increase snowmelt rates and rising river levels through the region. Environment Canada is forecasting 50 to 100+ mm of rain through Monday.

High river flows are expected through Monday or Tuesday across the region. The current high end precipitation scenarios in weather models indicate the potential for flooding throughout the Kootenays. Fast-flowing rivers pose increased risk to safety. Stay away from rivers and river banks, which can be unstable. Never drive through floodwaters, as unseen hazards and current can be life threatening. All residents should exercise extreme caution around rivers and creeks and report erosion, landslides, or flooding to the Provincial Emergency Coordinator Centre at 1.800.663.3456.

What residents can do to be prepared:

  • Sandbags and sand are available for residents at any of the locations listed on the RDCK website: www.rdck.ca/befloodprepared. Residents must come prepared with their own shovels to fill the bags.
  • Sign up for emergency notifications, through Voyent Alert! The RDCK uses the mass-notification system to send out critical information to residents and visitors in the event of an emergency.
  • If you will require government assistance to meet your basic needs if evacuated (like lodging or food), Emergency Support Services will be available.  Create a profile at https://ess.gov.bc.ca.
  • For details about evacuations and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. Follow the RDCK website and Facebook for the most up to date information.
  • If you have livestock or large animals, now is the time to consider moving them.
  • If you are not physically able to evacuate yourself, contact the EOC public inquiry line at 250.352.7701.

For more emergency preparedness resources:

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