Nearly 200 properties under evacuation alert in Cache Creek as flood risk rises

About 175 properties along the Bonaparte River in Cache Creek, B.C., are under evacuation alert as heavy rainfall has caused water levels to rise.

Cache Creek spokesperson Wendy Coombersaid 14 properties in the Riverside Trailer Park were first put under evacuation alert on July 2. Saturday morning, that order was expanded to include properties along the Bonaparte River corridor, including Bonaparte River Road and Collins Road.

Coomber said village officials are monitoring the river levels "very, very closely." She said the town first experienced flood warnings in May because of the melting snowpack, but this latest round is because of heavy rains on Canada Day.

"I'm getting tired of using the words 'surprised' and 'unusual'," Coombersaid.

Other wet areas

The situation in Cache Creek is echoed throughout British Columbia this weekend as the River Forecast Centre lists about half the province under flood warning or advisory.

In Prince George, more than a dozen homes are under evacuation alert as the Fraser River breaches its banks.

The city says the homes along Farrell Street across from Paddlewheel Park are at significant risk of flooding from the Fraser River.

Cottonwood Island Park and the Heritage River Trail from the Cameron Street Bridge to Taylor Drive remain closed due to the rising river levels.

And near Prince George, the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George has put nine properties under evacuation order because of an imminent threat of debris flow along Willox Creek on Mountain View Road in the McBride Area.

Another 32 residents have been ordered to "shelter in place" because mud and debris blocked their road access. Meanwhile, an evacuation alert continues for the secondweekfor 70 homes near the Dore River.

On Sunday, emergency officials said they're continuing to monitor the situation.