Brookmere evacuated; Lytton, Spences Bridge and other TNRD areas on evacuation alert

MERRITT, B.C. — Some properties in the Beautiful Nicola Valley – South electoral area, including Brookmere, are on evacuation order as part of the Thompson Nicola Regional District’s (TNRD) local state of emergency for the area due to flooding Monday (Nov. 15).

Earlier, the TNRD put areas like Lytton, Spences Bridge, Cache Creek and Ashcroft on evacuation alert. The TNRD is advising Merritt evacuees to connect with family or friends, otherwise residents will be dispersed between MacArthur Island in Kamloops and some parts of Kelowna.

“It’s been dreadful, especially for the most vulnerable people,” TNRD Board Chair Ken Gillis says. “It’s horrible for anybody to have to pack up and go, but to be in one of those homes and have to be evacuated and taken to god only knows where, it must be frightening for people.”

(Thompson Nicola Regional District).

The Coldwater River burst its banks in Merritt where the high waters have been seen carrying cars and mobile homes. It’s the second time in four months that the city has had to be evacuated.

“People must wonder what in the world’s going on. We had to evacuate the hospital in Merritt last summer because the city was on evacuation alert on account of the fires,” Gillis says. “Coincidentally, the old folks place is called Gillis house, no relation I might point out, but it had to be evacuated last year and I understand they were evacuated again this morning.”

(Thompson Nicola Regional District).

(Thompson Nicola Regional District).

(Thompson Nicola Regional District).