'Absolutely unbelievable': B.C.'s deputy premier visits flood-stricken Merritt
CTV
B.C.'s deputy premier visited one of the areas most hard-hit by November's devastating floods Thursday and could hardly fathom the destruction.
B.C.'s deputy premier visited one of the areas most hard-hit by November's devastating floods Thursday and could hardly fathom the destruction.
Mike Farnworth was given a tour of some of the impacted areas of Merritt by city officials on Thursday, including Mayor Linda Brown. Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart and Indigenous Relations Minister Murray Rankin also joined the tour.
“It’s absolutely unbelievable,” Farnworth said, looking at a bridge destroyed by rushing water.
“Look at how the water just ate away at the ground and the bridge just collapsed, then (the river) changed its course.”
Infrastructure in the city of 7,000 people requires extensive repairs. The heavily damaged wastewater treatment plant is once again functioning, but not at full capacity. Brown said more than 300 houses have been destroyed.
“We need housing,” she said. “That is our first and top priority. Housing for those who cannot go back to their own home.”
Farnworth assured the people of Merritt the provincial government will help however it can.
