Bridge collapses in Merritt, B.C., as some residents defy evacuation orders over looting fears
Dozens of Merritt, B.C., residents have defied evacuation orders over fears about looters, as floodwaters have filled the town with sewage-contaminated water and already caused one bridge to collapse.
One of those families was rescued from a rooftop Tuesday afternoon, as North Shore Rescue crews flew by helicopter from the Lower Mainland to help. In an Instagram post(opens in a new tab), the volunteer group said they rescued a family of three and their dog who were surrounded by water.
On Tuesday morning, residents woke up to a three-centimetre blanket of snowfall over the town, which has a population of about 7,200 but was largely empty in the wake of an evacuation order(opens in a new tab), save for a few holdouts, recovery crews and engineers.
“More than half the town’s gone, it seems like an opening door for come take what you want,” said Darsell Poittris, describing being up for half the night watching out for looters.
“Every (accommodation) we called was sold out so where do you go? I’d rather be in my house having these issues than in my car with my animals and my kids.”
The B.C. RCMP told CTV News authorities haven’t had any reports of looting taking place and officers are patrolling to ensure the safety of people and property, but the rumours and concerns persist.
"You got bad people out there that are looting, unfortunately,” said resident Sean Cainey, who described widespread confusion and an information vacuum.
“I have one of the lowest properties on the street, thankfully the water stayed on the other side of the road. That's why I decided to stay, to be here to help everybody I can and inform people of everything.”
The residents have been sharing supplies, but food is becoming scarce and they have no easy source of drinkable water except what’s bottled and available at the local gas station.
SOME DESTRUCTION CONFIRMED, MORE UNKNOWN
Civic officials are pleading for people to leave and stay away, with the town’s failed sewage treatment plant contaminating floodwaters and making tap water unsafe to drink.
There are also safety concerns around damaged infrastructure, with one bridge near Colletville on the south side of the town collapsing overnight.
"As a result we're not confident about the structural of any bridge in the city,” said Greg Lowis with the City of Merritt. “We are contacting structural bridge engineers and arranging for them to do inspections and find out how safe they are."
That won't happen until the waters have receded, however. In the meantime, Lowis said, "no one should be using any bridge in Merritt."
That message was echoed by the chair of the Thompson Nicola Regional District, who warned displaced residents to brace for the worst.
“It is so overwhelming. There's so much area under water, so many homes have been flooded, businesses that have been flooded," said Ken Gillis. “Nobody really knows what the extent of the damage is and we're going to have to wait for a few more days, I’m afraid, until the water recedes sufficiently for people to get an idea of how much damage has been done, but certainly it's been devastating for homeowners."
PUBLIC SAFETY MINISTER RESPONDS
CTV News asked Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth to address Merritt residents who were so concerned about their homes and finding alternate accommodations, they were willing to risk the dangerous conditions and violating an evacuation order to stay put.
"The RCMP are on patrol, they are in the communities that they are protecting so they are very much alive to the concerns and situations of residents,” said Farnworth. “People should have every confidence the RCMP are there in their communities protecting life and protection property.”
Farnworth emphasized there are support centers and facilities set up for evacuees in more than 20 communities across the province, so there are several options for people to stay safely with meals and other supports.
However, dozens of road closures are hampering travellers and evacuees alike as debris, water and mudslides have made them impassable(opens in a new tab).
Must Watch
Top Videos
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Trump refuses to rule out use of military force to take control of Greenland and the Panama Canal
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday said he would not rule out the use of military force to seize control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, as he declared U.S. control of both to be vital to American national security.
2 min ago
NEW | As walking pneumonia rates drop among Canadian children, flu and RSV are back
Following a sharp rise, cases of walking pneumonia across Canada, particularly among children, seem to be dropping.
39 min ago
UPDATED | U.S. President Biden says 'the world is better off' because of Trudeau
U.S. President Joe Biden thanked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday, calling him a 'friend,' and adding 'the world is better off because of him.'
17 min ago
CRA to continue with capital tax changes despite prorogation: finance department
The federal government says the Canada Revenue Agency will continue to administer the capital gains tax, even though it hasn't passed in Parliament, which is prorogued until March 24.
2 hours ago
Justin Trudeau's set to go after the Liberals pick his replacement, what now?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, announcing Monday that he intends to resign as Liberal leader and prime minister as soon as his party names his replacement, has set a series of political machinations in motion.
1 hour ago
UPDATED | Bank CEOs see mortgage risk easing as attention turns to political uncertainty
Canadian bank CEOs say they see the risks around mortgage renewals easing, while they prepare for rising risks around tariffs and political uncertainty.
22 min ago
Walmart's version of the Hermes Birkin has taken over the internet
Budget-conscious buyers looking for luxury alternatives have flocked to Walmart's Birkin bag look-alike, nicknamed the 'Wirkin.'
4 hours ago
Canada Post says most operations are back to normal, but some mail continues to be delayed
Canadians can expect full service for domestic parcels and on-time service guarantees, though Canada Post said some mail will continue to be delayed as it deals with a large amount of items.
2 hours ago
Justin Trudeau steps down as Liberal leader. Who are the top contenders to replace him?
With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation as Liberal party leader, several well-known political faces may be waiting in the wings for their opportunity to take his place.