BREAKING NEWS: Evacuation orders issued as waters begin overflowing Chilcotin River

An evacuation order has been issued for properties on the rivers and along the banks of the Chilcotin River to the Fraser River as the waters begin to breach the landslide which has created an eleven kilometre  long lake near Farwell Canyon.

In the alert posted on the B.C. Emergency Management Department’s website, authorities warn that the Chilcotin River Landslide poses a threat to human life. People are advised to STAY OFF AND AWAY from the Chilcotin and Fraser Rivers including along the river banks.

Anyone in the Evacuation Order area must leave IMMEDIATELY. The River Forecast Centre has issued Flood WARNINGS and a Flood WATCH in these areas.

A BC Emergency alert has been issued to cellphones, radio and television to advise people in the area on or along the riverbanks of the Chilcotin River from Hanceville to the Fraser River, and the Fraser River from the Chilcotin River to the Gang Ranch Road bridge to evacuate immediately due to flooding and debris flow. People unable to evacuate themselves should call 911.

Teams are on site assessing the movement of the landslide and the Province will provide a further update later today.

Meanwhile the Lytton Ferry will be closing down today after 1pm due to the Chilcotin Landslide and potential dangerous debris flow. The Lytton Ferry will have its last sailing at 1pm today and be closed until YRB can provide further updates.

More to come.