Recent flash flooding in the B.C. Interior affected at least 20 homes. Flooding in Savona, near Kamloops, occurred after a powerful storm on June 30. This storm caused water to pour into basements and damage properties. Approximately 20 homes were seriously damaged and a total of 50 properties were affected.

Team Rubicon, an international non-government organization specializing in disaster response, helped about 16 residents by clearing mud and debris from their homes. One volunteer, Brett Simms, explained that they had to remove up to a foot of mud using shovels, brooms, and gardening trowels. The volunteers worked together to clear out about 16 cubic meters of mud and up to 3,000 pounds of debris.

“It was like a river flowing under my house, causing a big mess,” said Terry Schweiger, a resident of Savona. He mentioned that some volunteers, including older individuals, helped by clearing mud from under his house and putting it in a trailer. Schweiger expressed his gratitude for their assistance.

Ruth Lakes, a 79-year-old Savona resident, described how quickly the rain caused about two inches of mud and muck in her basement. She mentioned that her belongings in the basement got wet, and neighbours came to help with pumps and buckets. She said she had never seen such fast rainfall before.

“It’s very stressful. My husband is even more stressed because all his valuable things are down there. And they’ve all been thrown away,” said Lakes. Regardless, she and others affected by the floods are thankful to the volunteers from Team Rubicon and other groups who helped the community.

Michael Grenier, a director with the regional district, highlighted the emotional impact of the floods on residents, especially seniors. While some had insurance, others did not. The regional district has applied for disaster financial assistance from the province but has not yet received a response.

Simms mentioned that they couldn’t do their work without the financial support from those who back Team Rubicon.