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Woman and child rescued in Lumby

Firefighters had to use a village loader to rescue a woman and infant from a vehicle that had become stalled in flood waters on Bessette Street
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Water levels are rising throughout Lumby. (Kyla Hamilton/Facebook)

There was a scary situation in Lumby Saturday morning.

Firefighters had to use a village loader to rescue a woman and infant from a vehicle that had become stalled in flood waters on Bessette Street.

“They had drowned their engine,” said Tony Clayton, fire chief.

As a result of the incident, Clayton is issuing a warning to all motorists.

“Don’t drive through water. It’s deeper than you think,” he said.

Creek levels throughout the community are rising and there’s been considerable effort among residents and emergency personnel to prepare sandbags.

“It’s looking worse than yesterday. Some berms have been undermined,” said Tom Kadla, chief administrative officer, Saturday.

As of Saturday morning, evacuation alerts are being issued to residents living along Duteau, Harris and Bessette creeks. The alert doesn’t force them to leave, but puts them on notice if conditions worsen.

An emergency centre is being established at the White Valley Community Centre.

Shuswap Avenue is also closed because of high water levels.

“We don’t know what Mother Nature will provide today,” said Kadla.