The flooding threat has eased in Lumby but it’s not quite over.
Creek levels have stabilized as the weather has remained cool and there’s been little rain.
“Crews have been feverish in their efforts and worked so hard,” said Mayor Kevin Acton.
“The provincial government has been exceptional and provided great support to the community.”
However, Acton admits that conditions could worsen at any time depending on the weather so sandbags and earth berms will remain in place.
“The ground is so saturated and with one major rain, we would be in emergency mode but we’re feeling relaxed again,” he said.
The Okanagan Indian Band is urging residents to remain alert.
“All residents, including those no longer on order or alert, are reminded to keep sandbags in place until the flood watch event has fully ended,” states the band.
“Residents with lakefront properties and next to beach edges should not remove the debris along their property, as it can act as a barricade against rising waters and minimize erosion.”
In Vernon, residents are being advised that provincial disaster financial assistance is available for qualifying losses for claimants unable to obtain insurance coverage.
“All applicants should first check with their insurance agent to determine if their current insurance policy provides coverage for the resulting damage,” said Tanya Laing Gahr, with the City of Vernon.
Information and application forms about disaster financial assistance are available at www.gov.bc.ca/disasterfinancialassistance. Application forms are also available at the Vernon fire hall.
Emergency Management B.C. encourages people to submit their application as soon as possible, and the deadline to receive applications is Aug. 5. Applications can be submitted to DFA@gov.bc.ca or by fax: 250-952-5542.