RDKB continues to rescind evacuation orders across Grand Forks
By Boundary Sentinel
The Boundary is slowly returning to normal as the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Emergency Operations Centre rescinded approximately 882 evacuation orders across the region Monday.
In a media release, the RDKB EOC said about 151 addresses remain on evacuation order, primarily in the Downtown and North Ruckle area. At the height of the flooding, 3,000 residents were force out by orders.
The RDKB said the public should remain vigilant as river levels can rise quickly.
- All rescinded evacuation orders have been downgraded to evacuation alerts, meaning residents must still be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice should river levels rise to dangerous levels
- All residents who were ordered evacuated will see colour-coded placards attached to their doors when returning home. These placards are a result of Rapid Damage Assessments and provide information about what needs to be addressed going forward
- Interior Health will be supporting environmental health assessments on properties under evacuation order in the North Ruckle area tomorrow morning
- Crews are currently working in the downtown area to remove temporary flood control structures and open streets as soon as possible. Fifth and Fourth streets are expected to be opened by eight tomorrow morning, with work ongoing throughout the day to remove sandbags and clean streets
The RDKB said it is extremely important to be safe when near floodwater, partly due to the unpredictability of river levels.
The ground can be soft and unstable causing extremely poor footing and people should exercise extreme caution.
Anyone whose home is on a riverbank and who is concerned about riverbank stability should stay clear and report concerns to the Emergency Operations Centre.
The contact for the Emergency Operations Centre is 1-888-747-9119.
