Flooding causes washouts, prompts evacuation order in Joe Rich

Two roads in the Joe Rich area east of Kelowna have been washed out and flooding has forced officials to issue an evacuation order for eight properties in the area.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations said the evacuation order was issued for eight Philpott Road properties “because of concerns that a bridge was at risk of washing out and leaving the residents isolated.”

Meanwhile, Goudie Road and Huckleberry Road were both closed Thursday morning due to the washouts.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) was not able to say when the roads might reopen.

“The ministry will need the water flows to lessen before we can determine repair options at both locations,” MOTI said in a statement.

“While these roads are closed, affected residents have access to their properties via other roads.”

The closures come as B.C.’s southern interior is dealing with widespread flooding and numerous washouts.