Sand and sandbags are being loaded and readied for delivery to Wasa as Wasa Lake continues to rise in the midst of heavy rain.

“The RDEK will be delivering sand and sandbags to the Wasa Community Hall this evening for residents to fill,” explains Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Information Officer, Loree Duczek. “We have also put in a request with the Ministry of Forests and are awaiting word on whether forestry crews may be able to assist with filling and placing the sandbags tonight.”

The lake has been rising at a rate of about one inch per hour all day and the latest forecast for today is calling for between 40mm and 60mm of rain by midnight. The nearby Kootenay River is also rising, and is creating a backflow, which is also contributing to the high water levels in the Wasa area.

Currently, three properties on the south end of the lake are being affected by flooding.

“We are encouraging residents and property owners in Wasa who are near the water to ensure valuables are moved out of basements, and take steps to prevent belongings from being affected by floodwater,” adds Duczek.

If the situation continues to worsen and anyone feels they can’t stay in their homes, they can contact Carol Lind at 250-420-1917 regarding Emergency Social Services assistance.

The RDEK is continuing to work with the Ministry reps and will be providing more details as they become available.

Elsewhere in the region, the Kootenay River is causing some trepidation as heavy rains continue to lash down. The river is near its peaks level at Kootenay Crossing in Kootenay National Park and flood conditions may be possible in the Fernie area in the next one to two days if rains continue, according to the BC River Forecast Center.

Above image of Wasa area illustrative of location of current high water only.

e-KNOW

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