The entire city of Merritt was ordered to evacuate as water levels rose and their wastewater system failed. Extreme rain pestered southern British Columbia on Monday, washing out major highways and leaving communities cut off from the rest of the province. In just two days, certain parts of British Columbia received as much as 252 millimetres of rain.
Environment Canada also forecasted winds to reach speeds up to 90 kilometres per hour that evening. Mudslides and debris flow started by the rain, washed out sections of Highway 1 and the Coquihalla Highway. Many people were also forced out of their communities due to severe flooding.
On Monday afternoon, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said “People in Merritt, Princeton and areas along Highway 7 and 99 and the Coquihalla are seeing the worst of it,… I would like to thank everyone who is affected for your patience, strength and for doing everything you can to stay safe. As I said this morning, the situation is dynamic and further rains, high winds and possible snow in areas are compounding the situation.”
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