Flood damage in Savona caused by the thunderstorm on June 30. (Photo submitted)
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District says no injuries have been reported but at least 20 homes in the Savona area were impacted by floods caused by Sunday’s thunderstorm.
The regional district’s emergency operations centre was activated at 9 a.m. today, July 1, with people in need of help being told to contact the EOC at 250-377-7188.
TNRD spokesperson Amanda Ellison says some homeowners have called in to report that their homes have been damaged, and in other cases “eyes on the ground” have seen homes that may have been affected.
“At this time we understand there are no injuries, no impact to critical infrastructure, and roads have re-opened,” the TNRD said in a statement, noting it is working with residents who were impacted by the floods.
The flooding caused by Sunday’s thunderstorm was severe enough to push the concrete barriers along the side of the highway directly across the road. The highway has since reopened but drivers are being warned to reduce their speed through the area and watch for working road crews.
“BC Transportation and Infrastructure is aware and responding to this incident, the TNRD statement added, noting all roads in the rural areas of the TNRD – including Savona – fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation.
People are being told to contact Argo Road Maintenance – Thompson at 1-800-661-2025 to report any flooding on roadways or access issues caused by floods or debris.
A statement from Interior Health says some Savona-area residents were reporting sewage smells around their homes following the flooding.
“We understand people in Savona are noticing sewage smells following a flooding event in Savona on June 30,” the statement said. “We are in contact with the TNRD during the clean-up. For anyone impacted by a flooding event, IH provides information about contaminated waters.”
The TNRD is also asking people to sign up for Voyent Alert here, so they can be notified of future emergency alerts in their area.
Environment Canada is forecasting the likelihood of more rain through Tuesday, with the bulk of it expected on Canada Day Monday.
The Kamloops-area forecast is calling for a 70 per cent chance of showers and the risk of thunderstorms today, with a 40 per cent chance of showers expected on Tuesday.
Environment Canada forecast for Kamloops and Cache Creek as of 11 a.m., July 1, 2024.
– With files from The Canadian Press
