KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Torrential rains falling during a late-afternoon thunderstorm in Kamloops, B.C., have led to flooding and forced the evacuation of at least 17 people from a trailer park.
Kamloops Fire Rescue assistant chief Curtis Bossert says the water stood about a metre deep in some areas of the trailer park on Tuesday after the rain storm hit but it was deeper in other areas.
Exactly why the water turned into a muddy river and flooded the trailer park is unknown, although Bossert says early reports suggest a debris dam let loose above a nearby road.
But the city's utilities manager Mike Firlottee is blaming a blocked outfall.
The city says in a statement there have been no reported injuries, and it has opened an emergency reception centre at Interior Savings Centre Parkside Lounge, where it is asking residents to register.
The same storm cut power to about 2,800 BC Hydro customers, although the service has now been restored.