November 15, 2021

ADVISORY NO. 49-2021: Evacuation Order has been issued for the entire City of Merritt

The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is closely monitoring the situation unfolding in the wake of the flooding of wastewater treatment plant in Merritt, British Columbia.

The City of Merritt has issued an evacuation order for the entire city on 15 November 2021. Flooding has shut down the city’s wastewater treatment plan, which the city says presents risk of “mass sewage back-up and personal health risk.” The order asked residents to try to make plans to stay with friends or family outside the community, which is located in B.C.’s southern Interior, around 200 kilometers northeast of Vancouver.

Filipinos are advised to avoid travel through the affected areas, monitor local news, follow the instructions of local authorities, and take all necessary precautions and recommended actions.

Filipino nationals requiring urgent assistance are advised to call immediately the hotline of the Consulate at +1 604 653 5858. The Consulate may also be contacted through its email address vancouverpcg@telus.net.