266 properties remain under an evacuation order out of the 808 that were impacted by widespread flooding in Merritt

The City of Merritt says 266 properties remain under an evacuation order out of the 808 that were impacted by widespread flooding in November.

Emergency Operations Centre information officer Jean Strong says there are also people who can't return home even though they're no longer under an evacuation order because their properties need repairs.

Strong says a housing-needs assessment has identified two categories of affected residents, those who can rebuild and those who have been permanently displaced.

She says she expects most people will be back home within six months but in the interim, the city is looking at housing options that could include modular or tiny homes.