The Comox Valley Regional District, home to approximately 72,000 residents on mid-Vancouver Island, has declared a state of local emergency in response to ongoing flood conditions. This decision follows the issuance of a flood warning by the River Forecast Centre for Dove Creek and its surrounding areas due to heavy rainfall.
The regional district reported that river flows exceeded levels typically seen in a 100-year flood event. Consequently, an evacuation order was issued for Maple Pool Campground and 12 properties on Friday afternoon within the context of the local emergency.
In another development, Lewis Park and the Lewis Centre in the downtown area were closed earlier in the day due to elevated water levels nearby. The B.C. River Forecast Centre also issued a flood warning for Courtenay and Tsolum rivers, indicating imminent flooding risks in those regions.
The provincial forecast center highlighted the arrival of a series of storms in coastal B.C., with expectations of continued rainfall in the coming days. Citizens were urged to prioritize safety around rivers, anticipate challenging driving conditions, potential road damage, and to stay informed via DriveBC.ca.
Residents near Dove Creek, such as Mona-Rose Veitch, shared concerns about flooded properties due to passing vehicles exacerbating water levels on Friday. Will Cole-Hamilton, Chair of the Comox Valley Regional District, confirmed the evacuation orders were primarily for low-lying properties, with firefighters assisting in relocating livestock, including sheep.
Despite receding water levels post-high tide, evacuation orders remained in effect overnight, with ongoing monitoring of tides and water levels. Cole-Hamilton noted that this was the first state of local emergency declared in three years during his tenure as district chair, recalling similar flooding incidents in 2014.
Local MLA Brennan Day visited Maple Pool Campground, witnessing significant flooding and residents relocating belongings to drier areas, including efforts to move recreational vehicles to safety. While initial reports suggested the Comox Lake Reservoir dam was overtopping, B.C. Hydro later clarified this was not the case.
Day emphasized caution around flood-prone zones and swift-moving waters, highlighting community support for affected residents. Highway 28 on Vancouver Island, the vital link between Campbell River and Gold River, experienced a closure due to a washout, reopening with cautionary advisories for drivers regarding water pooling.
Efforts to mitigate the impact of the flooding continue as the region grapples with the aftermath of the severe weather conditions.