The Comox Valley on Vancouver Island is facing a state of emergency as heavy rain triggers rising floodwaters, leading to the evacuation order for a campground and nearby properties.
The Comox Valley Regional District has declared a local emergency, urging residents at the Maple Pool Campground and a dozen other properties to evacuate immediately due to the dangerous flooding conditions that threaten lives.
Warnings have been issued to steer clear of flood-prone areas, as significant river flows are anticipated across the coastal region in the coming days, fueled by intense rainfall and snowmelt. To manage the situation, an emergency operations center has been activated for coordinated response efforts.
The evacuation directive follows a flood warning from B.C.’s River Forecast Centre for Dove Creek, Tsolum, and Courtenay rivers, along with a flood watch near Parksville and Port Alberni. The forecast predicts a substantial rise in streamflows, with localized heavy rainfall causing a surge in river levels.
The potential for additional runoff from snowmelt heightens the flood risk, especially as temperatures remain warm, pushing freezing levels to higher altitudes. With prolonged periods of moderate to heavy rain expected, rainfall totals could reach up to 200 millimeters over a three-day span.
While the rest of Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, and parts of the mainland are under a high streamflow advisory, specific warnings have been issued by Environment Canada for areas like Tofino, Ucluelet, Bamfield, Zeballos, and Tahsis, with precipitation forecasts of up to 140 millimeters.
Although some rainfall warnings have been lifted, the risk of landslides, particularly in deforested or fire-affected regions, remains a concern. Notably, areas like Bamfield, recovering from last year’s Mount Underwood wildfire, are facing heightened risks due to the heavy rainfall.
Recent downpours have also led to road closures on Vancouver Island, with Highway 28 from Campbell River to Gold River shut down due to washouts caused by the intense rain.