Photo: MOTI This photo shows Tank Hill on November 15, 2021. Helicopters are being used in the Merritt area as eyes to the sky, searching for dangerous debris left behind by last November’s historic floods and, when safe, removing them. According to a statement from the provincial Department of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, helicopter support will begin Tuesday at Coldwater, Nicola and Thompson. “Helicopters will fly along these rivers, removing debris when it is safe,” the statement said. “On the Nicola River, helicopter operations will continue to support the removal of small anthropogenic debris, with particular attention to the Shaken and Nooaitch Indian Reserves. The statement said much of the Thompson River is inaccessible to ground crews, so helicopters are expected to play an important role. Along Spius Creek, helicopters are expected to be in the area between Wednesday and Monday. An atmospheric river in mid-November hit parts of BC, causing historic flooding in Merritt, Princeton and the Fraser Valley. At Merritt, the Coldwater River peaked on November 15. The ministry said 270 pieces of debris related to the atmospheric river have so far been found on waterways BC. “The province is assessing the wreckage of the waterways and, where a threat to public safety is identified, is cooperating with the First Nations, local authorities and private citizens for a removal plan,” the statement said.
