The Importance of Communication during Emergencies: Lessons Learned from a Rockslide Incident in Keremeos, B.C.

When a rockslide occurred near Keremeos, B.C., on Sunday, it not only caused power outages for over 100 residences but also posed communication challenges for local officials and residents. Power and phone service disruptions left residents without the ability to receive updates and vital information during the evacuation. This incident highlights the need for improved communication systems during emergencies.

Park Owner Emphasizes the Importance of Communication

Rhonda Wilkins, the owner of River Valley RV Park in Keremeos, shared her experience during the evacuation. Despite the park not being directly impacted by the rockslide, the lack of power, cellphone service, and WiFi hindered their ability to communicate and obtain information. Wilkins stressed the importance of effective communication during emergencies and the reliance on mobile devices and internet connectivity for updates.

Communication Challenges in Rural Areas

This is not an isolated incident, as rural communities in the Okanagan region have faced similar communication difficulties during emergencies. Spencer Coyne, the Vice-chair of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and Mayor of Princeton, mentioned another instance where poor cell reception hindered communication during a wildfire near Coalmont. These challenges highlight the need for reliable communication infrastructure and systems in rural areas.

The Need for Redundancies and Support

The lack of redundancy in communication systems becomes apparent during emergencies when traditional channels, such as landline phones, fail. Coyne emphasized the importance of building redundancies and bolstering existing systems to ensure efficient communication during critical situations. Local officials, such as those in the RDOS, require support from all levels of government to implement robust communication networks and address the unique challenges faced in rural areas.

TELUS Service Disruption and Power Restoration

As of Thursday, TELUS services in the affected area were still disrupted, impacting landline phone connectivity. This disruption could potentially affect residents’ ability to contact emergency services. However, power has been restored for 114 FortisBC customers, alleviating some of the immediate concerns.

Conclusion

The rockslide incident in Keremeos serves as a reminder of the critical role that communication plays during emergencies. It highlights the need for improved communication systems, redundancies, and support for rural areas. Efforts should be made to ensure that all residents have access to reliable communication channels to receive updates and stay informed during challenging situations.