Cleanup underway after Kamloops flash floods leave damage in Interior city

KAMLOOPS, B.C. – Cleanup is underway in Kamloops, B.C., as the southern Interior city dries out from flash floods that dumped 25 millimetres of rain in less than half an hour.

Environment Canada says the rainfall deluged the city in less than half an hour Wednesday afternoon, gushing down roads that quickly resembled rivers.

Mayor Peter Milobar says it’s too early to estimate damage or tell how many buildings were flooded, but he says a lot of debris remains across roads and tossed onto lawns.

Today’s Kamloops flood in pictures. #kamloops http://t.co/d22jqRwOfT pic.twitter.com/G3jTj8n8aw

— CKNW (@CKNW) July 24, 2014

Milobar says Transportation Minister Todd Stone, who represents the Kamloops area, has already reached out, saying his ministry could consider assistance if damage is too extensive.

First responders say dispatchers were overwhelmed when the storm hit at about 2:15 p.m. Wednesday.

Crews answered calls ranging from flooded basements to drivers stranded atop floating vehicles and a boy washed into the Thompson River, from where he was rescued.