Authorities in British Columbia have issued an evacuation order for an area north of where the Chilcotin River meets the Fraser River, due to the risk of flooding caused by a landslide.
In a news release on Sunday night, officials from the Cariboo Regional District announced that residents must evacuate immediately. Those choosing to stay are doing so at their own risk.
The evacuation zone spans 3.5 square kilometres.
Last week, a significant landslide occurred at Farwell Canyon, about 22 kilometres south of Williams Lake, blocking the Chilcotin River and forming an 11-kilometre-long lake behind the slide. On Sunday, B.C.’s Emergency Management Department warned that water could begin flowing over the landslide site within hours.
The department has advised people to avoid the Chilcotin and Fraser rivers due to the ongoing threat from the landslide.
The River Forecast Centre has issued flood warnings for the Chilcotin River both upstream and downstream of the landslide near Farwell Canyon. Additionally, a flood watch is in effect for the Fraser River from the confluence with the Chilcotin River downstream to Hope, B.C.
Source: The Canadian Press
