A local state of emergency has been declared in the Kelowna area following high levels of rain in the mountains and valley, leading to rising water levels..The Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) has sent crews to inspect bridges, look for debris, and monitor the water levels..Sandbags have been placed on Radant and Parsons road and residents can pick up their own sand and sandbags at the corner of Gordon and Lequime roads..Officials say there is a threat of property damage along Mission Creek, Scotty Creek, and the upper reaches of Mill Creek as the heavy rain and late spring thaw cause rivers and streams to rise..The District of Sparwood also declared a local state of emergency Monday in response to “imminent overland flooding concerns” in several areas..“Safety of Sparwood residents is of the highest importance,” said Sparwood Mayor David Wilks..“The current levels of the rivers, combined with the significant rainfall lends to a situation that has now compromised some of our high-risk areas.”.Sparwood's high-risk areas are:.100 Aspen Drive (Mountainview Mobile Home Park)9555 Highway 43 (lower Lodgepole Mobile Home Park)Properties along GN Road1200 Matevic Road (lower Matevic).“Property owners in flood prone and low-lying areas are responsible for protecting their properties from possible flood damage and are encouraged to equip themselves with a flood plan and the necessary tools in case of flood,” writes EOC in following Kelowna’s declared state of emergency..Under a local state of emergency authorities are given the power to acquire or use any personal property deemed necessary to prevent, respond to, or alleviate the effects of an emergency or disaster..Authorities can also enter any building or land without warrant in the course of implementing an emergency plan or program.
