BREAKING NEWS: Interior Health plans for flood-related client transport in Lillooet

Interior Health (IH) is responding to the potential for flood-related impacts to health facilities and clients in Lillooet due to the landslide into the Chilcotin River southwest of Williams Lake.

As a precautionary measure, IH is relocating 21 residents from Mountain View Lodge long-term care home and three patients from the Lillooet Hospital and Health Centre to alternate locations away from potentially affected areas downstream. IH is taking this proactive approach to plan an orderly relocation of our most vulnerable clients who require extra time and additional support during transport.

Interior Health will contact residents’ family members directly with more information as the evacuation planning moves forward. Anyone wishing to confirm their loved one’s current location can call 1-833-469-9800. Call centre operating hours of operation are Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Meanwhile the Lillooet Hospital and Health Centre remains open at this time. Anyone requiring emergency care should proceed to the hospital as needed.

Interior Health is also working with all community clients to confirm plans for them to have access to the services they need if they should have to evacuate.

People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.

This is an evolving situation and we are working closely with affected municipalities, regional districts and first responders so all precautions are underway to protect patients, clients and long-term care residents.

The Cariboo Regional District has issued evacuation orders for some areas surrounding the Chilcotin River. Residents should watch for updates from the regional districts as the situation in Lillooet and other communities in the area continues to evolve.

Those requiring support during this crisis are encouraged to call the BC Crisis Line at 310-6789.