'Once in a century' storm has province considering state of emergency
CBC
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said the province is considering a state of emergency after a "once in a century" storm led to flooding and mudslides in southern B.C.
Farnworth, who is also the acting premier, made the remarks Tuesday afternoon during an operational briefing, with provincial officials, including representatives from the RCMP and Environment Canada, in attendance.
"Weather specialists are noting that the impact has been significantly greater than expected," he said. "What we're seeing is a natural disaster."
"A provincewide state of emergency is very much on the table."
Farnworth said there would be a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, and that he expected "decisions will be coming out of that cabinet meeting" regarding a state of emergency.
More than 20 evacuation centres are now open throughout the province, including at Hope, Kamloops, and Kelowna.
An access road is being built to connect Hope to the rest of the Lower Mainland, Farnworth said, even as Highway 1 remains closed due to mudslides and floods.
Transportation Minister Rob Fleming said staff were now out on the highway network providing assessments after there was a reprieve from heavy rain on Tuesday. All of the stranded motorists on provincial highways have been rescued, he said.
"With the cessation of the worst weather storm in a century past us, staff have had an opportunity to see firsthand impacts on infrastructure."
Fleming said Highway 7 between Hope and Agassiz would be open late Tuesday, with staff also prioritizing Highway 3 to ensure access to the Interior from the Lower Mainland is not cut off.
WATCH | Section of Highway 5 compromised by floodwaters:
Work will take longer on Highway 5 (the Coquihalla) and Highway 1 (the Trans Canada Highway), with staff confirming five washouts along the Coquihalla and numerous mudslides along Highway 1.
The portion of Highway 1 on Vancouver Island, known as the Malahat, is now open to single-lane traffic at certain sections.
However, it will be closed overnight for the next few days to restore it to full functionality, with B.C. Ferries running four additional sailings during that time.