‘Massive’ Chilcotin River landslide prompts flood warnings, debris concerns

'Water has been backing up behind the landslide,' said Bowinn Ma, B.C.'s minister of emergency management and climate readiness. 'At this time it is only growing.'

Emergency officials are expected to provide an update on Thursday morning on the massive landslide blocking the Chilcotin River and prompting the evacuation of dozens of properties.

The update will be provided at 11 a.m.

Rocks, mud and clay are blocking the major tributary to the Fraser River after a landslide came down overnight Tuesday about 60 kilometres from Williams Lake.

An evacuation order is in place for 60 properties, including 12 homes.

A flood warning, flood watch and high streamflow advisory are also in effect.

Officials say the river is blocked and there is an imminent flooding risk.

“Water has been backing up behind the landslide,” Bowinn Ma, B.C.’s minister of emergency management and climate readiness, said.

“At this time it is only growing.”