Flooded B.C. town declares local state of emergency
Series of storms rip through town
The small village of Cache Creek, B.C., has declared a state of emergency after a series of storms ripped through the town over the weekend, destroying homes and flooding the area.
Local artist Kira Lucas said she ran out to get groceries in the nearby town of Ashcroft and when she came back, everything was flooded.
“It was terrifying. I mean you come back and your entire village is engulfed in water. There was debris everywhere, and whole trees floating down the highway. Nothing you can do at that point,” she said.
Lucas was lucky. Her yard flooded, but the storms left her home mostly unscathed.
Not so for Charlene Milward, whose home was completely destroyed. Neighbours have rallied together to raise money for Milward. A GoFundMe had raised about $2,120 by Monday afternoon.
“I was pretty traumatized especially because I lost my home! The support today was immense and makes me proud to be in our small community with the biggest, hugest hearts!” she wrote on Facebook.
Videos and pictures posted to social media over the weekend show torrential rain, powerful winds, rising waters and debris strewn across the village, just west of Kamloops.
According to Environment Canada, 36 mm of rain fell on Saturday, forcing the rivers to rise. More thunderstorms are in the forecast for Monday.
“It was just unbelievable how fast it happened,” Mayor John Ranta told the Vancouver Province. “But the people of Cache Creek are resilient, and we’ll get through this.”
Resident Cheryl Fletcher, who owns a restaurant in town, agrees.
“Everyone pulls together and helps each other,” Fletcher, who spent Saturday helping a friend clean the mud and debris from her home, told Postmedia Network.
About 50 people have been forced to flee so far, local media reports, and the town’s trailer court has been completely evacuated.
More residents remain on evacuation alert, ready to leave should the slopes above their homes become dangerous.
The Trans-Canada Highway in the area has been shut down, as well as a part of Highway 97. By declaring an official state of emergency, the village has a better shot at receiving provincial money to clean up the damage.
A number of people in town don’t have insurance that covers flood damage.
“My thoughts are with all those affected by #CacheCreek flooding, and thanks to those responding to assist,” Premier Christy Clark tweeted.
It was terrifying. I mean you come
back and your entire village is engulfed in water. There was debris
everywhere, and whole trees floating down the highway. Nothing
you can do at that point.”
Kira Lucas, Cache Creek, B.C., resident