B.C. extends state of emergency due to ongoing flooding, mudslide risks
Posted January 11, 2022 7:23 pm.
Last Updated January 12, 2022 6:19 am.
As rain continues to pelt the South Coast, British Columbia has once again extended a state of emergency due to flooding and mudslides.
Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth said Tuesday that the extension is due to “the potential for further flooding” and the “continued need for public safety measures.”
The state of emergency was declared on Nov. 17 after catastrophic flooding forced thousands to flee their homes, and five people died after being caught in mudslides. Hundreds of thousands of farm animals also died as a result of the disaster. Flooding and landslides caused major damage to several B.C. highways, and closures brought transportation to and from the Lower Mainland to a halt.
The need to continue repairing highways is another reason cited for extending the state of emergency until at least Jan. 18.
“Work has progressed well while the affected areas have experienced adverse winter conditions,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“While this work continues, the restriction on these highways will have to remain in place for a short while longer to ensure road conditions are safe for those driving and working on them.”
Limits on travel will remain in place on Highway 5 and Highway 99.
Only commercial vehicles and inter-city buses will be allowed on the Coquihalla between Hope and Merritt. Only vehicles weighing less than 14,500 kg are allowed from the junction of Highway 99 and Lillooet River Road to the BC Hydro Seton Lake campsite access in Lillooet.
