Title: “State of Emergency Declared as Landslide Blocks Chilcotin River, Threatening Flash Floods in B.C.”
In a dramatic turn of events, the Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) has taken urgent action by declaring a local state of emergency after a massive landslide obstructed the Chilcotin River in British Columbia’s Cariboo region.
The formidable landslide, which occurred upstream of Nagwentled, also known as Farwell Canyon, approximately 285 kilometres north of Vancouver, has entirely blocked the river’s flow. Emergency officials have issued a stark warning, stating that flash floods are “imminent” and could strike within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Margo Wagner, chair of the Cariboo Regional District, described the situation as akin to a ticking time bomb, with floodwaters amassing above the landslide dam. If breached, the dam could unleash a devastating flash flood downstream, imperiling numerous communities along the riverbanks.
At a news conference, B.C. Minister of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship Nathan Cullen disclosed that the landslide-formed dam spans 600 metres in width and plunges 30 metres deep. Meanwhile, B.C. Emergency Preparedness and Climate Change Minister Bowinn Ma revealed that the dam is exhibiting signs of weakness, with water slowly seeping through its barriers.
Residents in the affected areas have been urged to exercise caution, with the B.C. River Forecast Centre issuing flood warnings for the Chilcotin River upstream of the landslide and the Fraser River downstream to Hope, B.C. Evacuation orders have been issued for a dozen homes, impacting 13 residents, due to the immediate risk of flooding.
While authorities work tirelessly to assess the landslide and shore up defenses against potential flooding, the B.C. Wildfire Service has been mobilized to support search and rescue efforts. The province stands ready to deploy additional resources, including sandbags and emergency response equipment, to safeguard communities and wildlife from the impending deluge.
Despite the challenges posed by the landslide, the resilient spirit of the affected communities shines through. With preparations in full swing and emergency protocols in place, British Columbians are coming together in the face of adversity, ready to weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) has taken urgent action by declaring a local state of emergency after a massive landslide obstructed the Chilcotin River in British Columbia’s Cariboo region.
The formidable landslide, which occurred upstream of Nagwentled, also known as Farwell Canyon, approximately 285 kilometres north of Vancouver, has entirely blocked the river’s flow. Emergency officials have issued a stark warning, stating that flash floods are “imminent” and could strike within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Margo Wagner, chair of the Cariboo Regional District, described the situation as akin to a ticking time bomb, with floodwaters amassing above the landslide dam. If breached, the dam could unleash a devastating flash flood downstream, imperiling numerous communities along the riverbanks.
At a news conference, B.C. Minister of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship Nathan Cullen disclosed that the landslide-formed dam spans 600 metres in width and plunges 30 metres deep. Meanwhile, B.C. Emergency Preparedness and Climate Change Minister Bowinn Ma revealed that the dam is exhibiting signs of weakness, with water slowly seeping through its barriers.
Residents in the affected areas have been urged to exercise caution, with the B.C. River Forecast Centre issuing flood warnings for the Chilcotin River upstream of the landslide and the Fraser River downstream to Hope, B.C. Evacuation orders have been issued for a dozen homes, impacting 13 residents, due to the immediate risk of flooding.
While authorities work tirelessly to assess the landslide and shore up defenses against potential flooding, the B.C. Wildfire Service has been mobilized to support search and rescue efforts. The province stands ready to deploy additional resources, including sandbags and emergency response equipment, to safeguard communities and wildlife from the impending deluge.
Despite the challenges posed by the landslide, the resilient spirit of the affected communities shines through. With preparations in full swing and emergency protocols in place, British Columbians are coming together in the face of adversity, ready to weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.
