The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) issued an evacuation order for an area along the Chilcotin River Wednesday after a landslide blocked the river west of Williams Lake.
According to the Tsilhqot’in National Government, the landslide happened upstream near Nagwentled Farwell Canyon before 9:30 a.m.
The CRD also declared a State of Local Emergency for Electoral Area K. The emergency includes the communities of Redstone, Alexis Creek, Tl’etinqox, Lees Corner, Hanceville, Big Creek, Riske Creek, and Becher House.
The regional district says while the Chilcotin River is blocked, it is advising the public to stay off the river due to the risk to public safety. It is warning there is a “high risk” of flash flooding.
Central Cariboo Search and Rescue says a team is “currently on task responding to an injured individual and landslide west of Williams Lake.”
In a statement posted to social media, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Bowinn Ma shared, “We are working closely with local authorities to respond to the blockage of the Chilcotin River near Farwell Canyon.”
“The risk of unpredictable water flow is significant — if you are in the area, please stay away from the river and follow local instructions to stay safe,” she added.
1130 NewsRadio has reached out to the Cariboo Regional District and Central Cariboo Search and Rescue for more information.
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