Residents along a severely damaged road in the District of Kent may be getting home much sooner than expected.
The District of Kent has rescinded the amended evacuation order for Rockwell Drive as of Saturday.
“The original estimate was that families would be out of their homes for up to three weeks,” District Mayor Sylvia Pranger said in a statement released on Monday morning. “The province, Emil Anderson, Agassiz RCMP, Kent-Harrison Search and Rescue and District staff cooperated and coordinated so efficiently that most families were home after one week.”
RELATED: Water testing underway for Rockwell Drive area
The mayor added her gratitude to members of the public for cooperating with emergency policies and steering clear of the area as restoration efforts were underway.
Almost two weeks ago, several residents along Rockwell Drive were ordered to evacuate after crippling damage from flooding and landslides utterly destroyed the roadway and a portion of critical waterway infrastructure. The water supply to affected homes was deemed unsafe for use until Fraser Health authorities tested it and waterways were repaired.
RELATED: Mayor: Destruction to District of Kent’s Rockwell Drive due to heavy storms may take weeks to repair
The statement indicated some residents were still waiting on confirmation of potable water as some test results had not yet been confirmed by Fraser Health. Those residents still waiting on test results can pick up water jugs donated by Chilliwack Water at the Community and Cultural Centre at 6660 Pioneer Ave. Proof of residency is required, and Fraser Health will notify residents with test results as soon as possible.
The state of local emergency remains in effect.
adam.louis@ahobserver.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
