Cowichan Tribes First Nation has issued an evacuation alert to residents living in certain areas of Quw’utsun Territory due to rising river water levels.
Those living on lands in or near Quamichan West, Clem Clem, Wil’seem Road, Sahilton Road, Tyup Road, Joe Road, Green Point or Khenipson Road are being asked to prepare for possible evacuation.
Heavy rain is expected for much of Vancouver Island today and Environment Canada has warned people to stay away from rivers and culverts as some areas have already received 110 mm of rain in the past 48 hours.
B.C. River Forecast Centre has issued a flood watch for parts of eastern Vancouver Island — Nanaimo to Fanny Bay including the Englishman River, Nanaimo River and surrounding tributaries — but areas in the Cowichan Valley are not included.
Cowichan Tribes says residents should leave their homes immediately if flooding is about to occur while individuals with mobility issues are being urged to evacuate as soon as possible.
“River levels are rising quickly. Saturated ground and expected heavy rainfall may lead to flooding and limit opportunities to leave your homes safely. Because of the potential danger to life and health, the Cowichan Tribes First Nation has issued
an Evacuation Alert,” a letter posted on the Cowichan Tribes website reads.
Residents are also being asked to stay away from riverbanks, locate all family members, pick a meeting spot outside the evacuation area, bring government-issued identification, medications, eyeglasses, and other important documents such as insurance papers.
Cowichan Tribes also says residents can call 250-715-3339 to report flooding and ask questions about accommodations or transportation.
More information can be found at www.cowichantribes.com.
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