As evacuation continues past 72-hours, no plans to allow residents to pick up additional supplies

When the evacuation order was issued on Monday morning, residents were told to gather enough supplies to last 72-hours, as that mark approaches, City Hall says they have no plans to allow residents back into Merritt to gather additional supplies.

“Unfortunately, at this point in time, because it’s not safe to be in Merritt and we want to ensure the security of Merritt. If people show up and want to get access to their homes, even if it’s in an area that is nowhere near the river, everybody who comes in has to be escorted. Therefore, it isn’t possible to let masses of people in at this time,” said Lowis.

Lows did mention that the City is working to allow people back into town who may have left a pet or family member behind.

“If people want to retrieve pets and family members, they can come to the barricades on Highway 8, Highway 5 (Exit 290) and Coldwater Road/Highway 8, during daylight hours (approximately 8am to 5pm), and enter the City of Merritt under escort. Waiting times may exceed three hours,” added Lowis.

It was stated that if you enter town under escort you must leave, and the RCMP will enforce the rules.