Homes Evacuated as Landslide Risk Looms Over Okanagan Properties

It's never easy to get that call, that knock on the door, telling you it's time to leave your home – especially when the reason is the ground beneath your feet might not be as stable as it seems. That's exactly the difficult situation two properties in Electoral Area E found themselves in over the weekend, as officials with the Central Okanagan Regional District (CORD) issued an evacuation order due to a very real and concerning risk of landslides.

The order, which came down around 6 p.m. PT on Saturday, specifically affects residences along Westside Road, in the areas near both Fintry and the popular La Casa Resort. Imagine the worry, the scramble to gather essentials, knowing that geotechnical assessments had flagged an imminent danger. It's a precautionary measure, yes, but one taken with the utmost seriousness when dealing with the unpredictable power of nature.

This isn't happening in a vacuum, of course. British Columbia, as many of us know, has been experiencing quite a bit of unsettled weather lately. We've seen heavy rainfall, significant snowmelt, and rising water levels across various regions, all contributing to heightened concerns about potential flooding and, critically, slope instability. This particular situation in Electoral Area E really highlights how crucial it is to monitor these natural hazards closely.

For those displaced, help is thankfully available. The Central Okanagan Regional District has activated Emergency Support Services (ESS) at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Kelowna. It's a small comfort, perhaps, but knowing there's a place to go and support waiting can make a world of difference during such a stressful time. Residents impacted by the order are encouraged to register with ESS as soon as they can to access the assistance they need.

Now, the waiting game begins. Geotechnical experts are continuing their thorough assessment of the area, working diligently to determine when, or if, it will be safe for residents to return. Until then, the evacuation order remains firmly in place, and everyone in the vicinity is urged to stay informed and follow all instructions from local authorities. Safety, above all else, remains the top priority in these challenging circumstances.