Skip to content

Cowichan Valley Regional District declares state of local emergency due to rain

Cowichan Valley residents asked to restrict travel if possible

A state of local emergency has been issued in the Cowichan Valley due to heavy rainfall and flooding in the region.

Residents are being asked not to travel if at all possible.

The severe weather event has left many roadways flooded and some residents being forced to evacuate or be rescued from their flooded homes and vehicles.

The state of local emergency applies to areas of the Cowichan Valley Regional District, the Municipality of North Cowichan, City of Duncan, Cowichan Tribes, Halalt First Nation and Penelakut Tribe.

A reception centre for evacuated residents has been set up at the Cowichan Community Centre.

North Cowichan Mayor Al Siebring said folks have been asking about sandbags.

He posted for now, they are available at the North Cowichan Public Works Yard, just south of the municipal hall, for those who can get there.

“You’ll have to fill our own bags, though, so bring a shovel,” he indicated.

Monday morning Cowichan Search and Rescue used small boats to transport residents of the Meadow Glen apartments to higher ground where they were shuttled by RCMP to waiting school busses bound for the community centre.

Meanwhile, firefighters and first responders from across the valley, were working non-stop, particularly in the Westholme/Halalt and Cowichan Bay areas to rescue those trapped inside their homes.

“Residents in low-lying areas, particularly those prone to flooding, should be prepared to evacuate at any time,” said a press release from the Cowichan Valley Regional District. “Any additional evacuation orders will be posted to the Alertable network and door-to-door notifications will be completed in affected areas. Residents can also check the CVRD website for up-to-date information on evacuation alerts and orders going forward.”

SEE RELATED: VIDEO: Evacuation underway for Duncan apartment residents as floodwaters rise

SEE RELATED: Heavy rain, wind warnings issued for Vancouver Island

SEE RELATED: UPDATED: Malahat closes again, Island Highway remains closed near Crofton due to flooding

VIDEO: Flooding, mudslide hampering travel through Greater Victoria, Salt Spring Island

27185811_web1_211115-CCI-Flooding-apartment-evac-boat_1
Members of Cowichan Search and Rescue and RCMP work to transport residents of the Meadow Glen Apartments to higher ground due to flooding in the Duncan area. (Sarah Simpson/Citizen)
27185811_web1_211115-CCI-Flooding-apartment-evac-flood-boat_3
The area around the Meadow Glen Apartments and the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment is dealing with significant flooding. (Sarah Simpson/Citizen)
27185811_web1_211118-CCI-state-of-emergency-map_1
Significant road closures and highway closures have been occurring since early this morning, including closure of the Trans Canada Highway at multiple points. For more detailed information check the Drive BC website. (CVRD map)


Sarah Simpson

About the Author: Sarah Simpson

I started my time with Black Press Media as an intern, before joining the Citizen in the summer of 2004.
Read more