Merritt’s EOC provides update; some residents to be allowed access following inspection

The City of Merritt is bringing in inspectors to provide rapid damage assessment of the properties that were directly affected by the floods.

“Following the RDA process, homes will be tagged as green, yellow, or red – a process will be put in place to allow people with ‘green’ tagged homes to return home to collect possessions and begin remediation efforts,” reads a press release.

EOC Communications Manager Greg Lowis confirmed there is currently no timeline for when the process will be completed, but it will be at minimum a few days.

“We starting to compartmentalize Merritt and work to develop different plans for the different areas. We’re hopeful that the team will complete their work in the next couple of days,” added Lowis.

No plan is in place for how Merritt residents will be allowed back in once the assessment is complete, and whether it will be under RCMP escort or possibly during a open window presented by City Hall.

“We’re still working on the details on the plan. We want to make sure its fully though through and safe for everyone when we announce it,” said Lowis.

The same assessment will be used to evaluate rescinding parts of the evacuation order, once critical infrastructure is restored.

The City of Merritt wanted to provide an update to residents on the progress that is being made behind the scenes:

• We are bringing in trained inspectors who can begin doing a Rapid Damage Assessment of the properties that were directly affected by the floods. Following the RDA process, homes will be tagged as green, yellow, or red – a process will be put in place to allow people with ‘green’ tagged homes to return home to collect possessions and begin remediation efforts
• Crews are still conducting a series of inspections and tests on the drinking water system. We hope that we will be able to pressurize some sections of the system soon, in areas that were not directly affected by flooding
• Sanitary lines are currently being flushed to remove debris in lines and to allow flow back to the wastewater treatment plant
• Merritt Emergency Operations Centre is in the process of launching a Call Centre to better assist residents with questions and inquiries
• The City of Merritt has begun the planning for recovery and resiliency, with the necessary social supports when residents return to the community
• The City of Merritt has been in contact with EMBC regarding providing additional supports to assist ESS Centres that are assisting evacuees
• The city is conducting planning for the partial rescinding of the Evacuation Order for areas of the city that were not directly affected by flooding, once the critical infrastructure comes back online