Chilcotin River evacuated

The British Columbia government has issued immediate evacuation orders for residents along the Chilcotin and Fraser Rivers due to a significant landslide that has created a natural dam, trapping approximately 61 million cubic meters of water. The landslide, which occurred at Farwell Canyon, has resulted in flooding threats downstream, leading authorities to instruct those in affected areas to leave immediately or face risks to their safety. Water levels are expected to rise rapidly and potentially overflow the dam, posing further dangers to nearby communities. The Tsilhqot’in National Government has also warned against approaching the river banks due to the unpredictable behavior of the water. Evacuations cover areas as large as 962 hectares, with emergency services available for displaced residents. This situation highlights ongoing concerns for salmon runs and the ecological impact of the flooding.