The Elk Valley could receive 100 mm of rain by Thursday. In anticipation of that, the Regional District of East Kootenay is setting up a sandbag filling station in Hosmer.
“With the snow we’ve received over the past few days, the forecasted accumulation of rain this week and rising temperatures, there is an elevated risk of localized overland flooding,” says RDEK Protective Services Manager, Christina Carbrey. “We encourage people to stay clear of creek banks and rivers and urge anyone who lives in a flood-prone area to take steps to protect their homes and properties.”
The self filling sandbag station is located at Hwy 3 and 6th Ave. in the lot south of the pub.
The BC River Forecast Centre has issued a High-Streamflow Advisory for the East Kootenay for all lower elevation and valley bottom tributaries. Residents are encouraged to be proactive in making personal preparations in the event of flooding.
“Preparedness and safety are key. Know the numbers to call, have a family emergency plan, take steps to protect your property from flooding if you are in low-lying areas, and ensure you stay well back from waterways as rapid, unpredictable changes in water levels are possible,” said Carbrey.
The RDEK’s Flood Response Unit will also be in communication with municipalities in the region, particularly in the Elk Valley where the rainfall is anticipated to be heaviest, to ensure regional cooperation and situational awareness.
Residents who have not already done so are encouraged to sign up for the regional Evacuation Notification System, which notifies registrants by landline, mobile phone or text in the event their property or marked location is within an evacuation alert or order area. Registration instructions and more information are available on the Emergency Information page on www.rdek.bc.ca.
