A landslide in Campbell River forced residents of two condo buildings from their homes Tuesday night, and the city continues to monitor the area on Wednesday.
The landslide occurred around 7 p.m. at 738 and 758 South Island Highway, otherwise known as Beechwood Manor and Hillside Place, which are located on the west side of the highway.
Both buildings were evacuated as a precautionary measure and residents have been advised to stay away.
Residents tell CHEK News small slides had been happening all day before someone called 911 to alert emergency crews.
“We had a slide early in the morning, a small amount and then in progressed throughout the day and then into the early evening the debris was getting worse and worse,” said Dallas Carrie who lives on the second floor of Hillside Place.
Emergency crews were called and it was quickly determined that residents in the two buildings needed to be evacuated.
“And then I think maybe the major slide happened around the time we were told to evacuate,” added Carrie.
Carrie has lived in the building for 20 years and says he thinks there are springs in the hillside as there always appears to be water coming down the slope.
The City of Campbell River says subject matter experts have been brought to confirm the stability.
“To have a look at the hill to ensure the immediate danger is addressed and any concerns associated with the slide can be looked at before we look at an opportunity to have the residents move back into the building and that the structure is safe to occupy,” said City of Campbell River’s acting city manager Drew Hadfield Wednesday.
In a statement, the city confirmed there was a subsequent smaller slide that poses no immediate safety concerns.
Aerial footage of the slide area in #CampbellRiver @CHEK_News #bcstorm pic.twitter.com/1Hu7VncvIE
— Dean Stoltz (@deanstoltzchek) January 18, 2023
No injuries have been reported and the city said surrounding areas are considered safe.
Officials have activated a temporary Emergency Support Services centre at the Campbell River Baptist Church, 260 South Dogwood St., to assist displaced residents.
“I’d like to reassure residents that the situation is stable and thank the public for their patience as we respond to this incident,” Campbell River’s acting city manager Drew Hadfield said in a statement on Tuesday.
The landslide has Campbell River city officials urging all residents to avoid the affected buildings and properties and follow the direction of authorities.
The city will continue to post updates on the slide to its website. The City of Campbell River has also issued an advisory through the emergency notification system Alertable, which will remain in effect until conditions stabilize.
At the scene of last night’s land slide in #CampbellRiver. Carport at the rear of one building is damaged. @CHEK_News pic.twitter.com/VNIoA0Ggzu
— Dean Stoltz (@deanstoltzchek) January 18, 2023
Another angle of the damage in #CampbellRiver after last night’s slide. One resident of the building tells me small amounts of mud was coming down all day until an evacuation order came around 8 o’clock last night. @CHEK_News pic.twitter.com/DO4hUqxj7q
— Dean Stoltz (@deanstoltzchek) January 18, 2023
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