The recent flooding that impacted the Cariboo Regional District has residents concerned that conditions will become even worse next year, once the snow begins to melt in the spring.
Unusually heavy rains and wet snow in late October have led to flooding in many parts of the Cariboo Regional District – so many, that Cariboo Regional District director Al Richmond said that he has been getting multiple calls from homeowners with flooded basements. Notably, flooding in basements has become a new problem for most residents of this relatively dry region of British Columbia.
"I think it's a new record for us," Richmond told CBC News. "It seems to be becoming the new norm."
Richmond mentioned that one homeowner he spoke with – who had no previous flooding issues – pumped almost 40,000 litres of water out of his basement in a single day.
"We have our emergency operations centre operating currently, which is sort of unheard of this time of the year," the director said. "We're dealing with flooding. Landslides. So that's a difficult time for us."
The official also warned that the nearby San Jose River is 10 centimetres above normal.
"That's a lot of water for this time of year," said Richmond, noting that other creeks that are ordinarily dry at this time of the year are also rising.
"Those of us who have heard from residents with high levels of creeks and rivers are very concerned about how to manage this this spring."
Richmond said that regional official are awaiting word from BC’s Environment Ministry about the government’s flood response plan.
