Map of alert area/via Emergency Info BC
A flood warning and alert has been issued due to a landslide blocking the Chilcotin River in the southern Cariboo.
The warning from the River Forecast Center is for the Chilcotin and the Fraser Rivers.
An area covering over 100 kilometers has been put under evacuation order in the Cariboo, as a slide has cut of the Chilcotin River west of 100 Mile House.
People in around a dozen properties have been forced out, and have been moved into temporary lodging in Williams Lake.
This, as the threat of the river knocking down the natural dam could lead to intense flooding down river.
Yellowhead Road and Bridge has plans to shut down the Lytton Ferry at 10pm tonight due to concerns about debris coming down from the Chilcotin River landslide.
People are being warned to stay away from the Chilcotin and Fraser Rivers, as are boaters.
We have been informed by @TranBC about precautionary ferry closures on the Fraser River in response to the Chilcotin River landslide.
The Big Bar Ferry is now closed, and the Lytton Ferry is expected to be closed July 31, 2024 @ 10pm.
For more info visit @DriveBC website. pic.twitter.com/b3dReumcsD
— TNRD (@TNRD) July 31, 2024
Alert issued by Emergency Info BC
A spokeswoman for the Central Cariboo Search and Rescue says it seems like a miracle that a man survived after avoiding being swept up by a landslide.
Debra Bortolussi says the man was camping around midnight after rafting on the Chilcotin River when he heard the sound of a landslide.
He ended up being found the next morning on the top of the slide.
His dog is still missing.
The Cariboo Regional District has issued evacuation orders covering 107 square kilometers due to “immediate danger to life and safety.”
–With files from the Canadian Press
