Close X
Friday, November 1, 2024
ADVT 
National

People on B.C. Highway 8 facing long-term disaster

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 25 Nov, 2021 04:02 PM
  • People on B.C. Highway 8 facing long-term disaster

SPENCES BRIDGE, B.C. - Steven Rice went to his farm to grab some coffee for his café in Spences Bridge, B.C., on Nov. 15 and noticed the rising water near his property spilling on to the highway.

An hour later and the section of Highway 8 was gone, leaving him unable to access his home and orchard.

"The landscape I saw looks like you've entered a new world, the twilight zone or Mars. It's beyond imagination," he said in an interview.

The Nicola River, which runs along flood-damaged Highway 8, has changed course and left some farms underwater, Rice says. A subsequent mudslide wiped out the highway and destroyed or damaged dozens of properties in the area.

Rice, who is also a director with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, said he expects it will take years for some residents to return home.

"The people on Highway 8, where our disaster is, have been hit with a long-term disaster. This isn't a month or two, it's a year or two for lots of us," he said.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth told a news conference Thursday that airdrops of food and efforts to assess the "state of the road" are underway.

“That particular highway was impacted beyond belief," he said.

Part of the issue, Rice said, is that many residents rely on farming and hunting to survive.

The floodwaters have meant that some farmers will not bring in any income for at least a year, he added.

"We need a lot of help right now," Rice said. "Most of us left, seriously, left with the clothes on our back. It unfolded so fast. If you weren't at your place, you weren't going back."

He said he's been fortunate to be able to stay in some rooms behind his café with his partner Paulette, her brother, Rice's farming partner, five farm dogs and a cat.

Rice said the damage suffered by Spences Bridge residents, as well as neighbouring Lytton, which was razed by a deadly wildfire, reinforces the need for all levels of government to work to combat climate change.

"A decade ago, it was the exception to have wildfires and floods in the Interior. Now it is the rule. You know almost every year you're going to get floods and fires," he said.

The federal and provincial governments need to increase relief efforts and help winterize affected properties to ensure no more damage takes place, Rice added.

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Green cars, shipping on tap for Canada in Glasgow

Green cars, shipping on tap for Canada in Glasgow
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra also signed Canada on to a zero-emission car accord, an international aviation emissions promise and an agreement to make heavy trucks and buses emission-free in less tha

Green cars, shipping on tap for Canada in Glasgow

BC Housing Market at Historically Low Level of Supply

BC Housing Market at Historically Low Level of Supply
Total active residential listings were down nearly 40 per cent year-over-year in October, falling to an all-time record low for the province. Active listings have now fallen for five consecutive months on a seasonally adjusted basis.

BC Housing Market at Historically Low Level of Supply

As of January 4, 2022, all City of Surrey staff and elected officials must be fully vaccinated

As of January 4, 2022, all City of Surrey staff and elected officials must be fully vaccinated
At Monday’s regular Council meeting, Surrey City Council adopted the same vaccination requirements that have been introduced for City staff. Effective January 4, 2022, all City of Surrey staff and elected officials must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination to the City.    

As of January 4, 2022, all City of Surrey staff and elected officials must be fully vaccinated

Seeking witnesses to pedestrian hit and run: Richmond RCMP

Seeking witnesses to pedestrian hit and run: Richmond RCMP
According to the pedestrian, as he crossed Bridgeport Rd at Simpson Rd a vehicle allegedly pulled out of a parking lot, striking him, which resulted in him falling to the ground. The pedestrian did not get a good look at the vehicle, however, a witness described the vehicle as a gray SUV.

Seeking witnesses to pedestrian hit and run: Richmond RCMP

Fatal collision in Langley claims the life of a 17 year old

Fatal collision in Langley claims the life of a 17 year old
The driver and lone occupant, a 17-year-old male from Langley, did not survive the collision. His family has been advised of his passing.    

Fatal collision in Langley claims the life of a 17 year old

Man guilty of first degree murder in 2019 homicide

Man guilty of first degree murder in 2019 homicide
Vancouver resident Zenen Cepeda Silva was found suffering from a gunshot injury and was transported to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.    

Man guilty of first degree murder in 2019 homicide