Evacuation Urged as Landslide Blocks Chilcotin River, Causes Overflow

Officials in British Columbia have issued an emergency alert urging people along the Chilcotin River banks to evacuate due to overflowing water caused by a landslide near Farwell Canyon. Authorities warn of fast-moving water and debris posing significant risks to residents. The region has been under watch since Wednesday.

Officials in British Columbia have issued an emergency alert urging residents along the banks of the Chilcotin River to evacuate immediately following a landslide near Farwell Canyon that has caused water to overflow. The landslide, which occurred in the Cariboo region, has raised concerns of potential flooding, prompting the alert on Monday.

Authorities have cautioned the public to avoid the Chilcotin and Fraser rivers, highlighting the dangers posed by fast-moving water and rolling debris. The warning emphasizes that the water, even at familiar freshet levels, could behave unpredictably with more momentum and force due to the sudden landslide blockage.

This precautionary measure comes after the region has been under surveillance since Wednesday when the landslide initially obstructed the river, creating fears that water could surge through, intensifying the risk of flooding.

(With inputs from agencies.)