UPDATED: Evacuation alert remains in place for 16 homes in Six Mile area
By Nelson Daily Staff
In a media release Tuesday, the Regional District of Central Kootenay said it’s continuing an evacuation alert near Heddle Road north of Nelson due to continued ground instability.
The RDCK said that evacuation alert will stay in place until further notice affecting 16 homes Six Mile area of Electoral Area F. The mud slide occurred off “the Middle Road” near Heddle Road last Sunday.
The RDCK said it is working with the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO) to perform geotechnical assessments and to determine what, if any, remediation action needs to be taken.
“I would like to thank residents in the affected area for their patience as we evaluate the situation,” said Andrew Bellerby, the RDCK’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Director, in the media release.
“We will advise residents if the alert is removed, or if the situation worsens and evacuation is required. We will also update our website with new information when it becomes available.”
Residents are reminded that mud slides and landslides are common in the spring. They should monitor the terrain and creeks on their property for any unusual events—such as a rapid increase or decrease in flow, or a change in course.
Evacuation alert issued for homes in Six Mile area due to mud slide
The Regional District of Central Kootenay has issued an evacuation alert following a mud slide Sunday afternoon near Heddle Road.
According to Andrew Bellerby, the RDCK’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Director, 16 homes in the Six Mile area of Electoral Area F have been placed on evacuation alert following a mud slide that occurred off “The Middle Road” near Heddle Road at approximately 1 p.m. Sunday.
The RDCK reports that there were no injuries and no significant damage to property due to the slide.
“At this time, there is no imminent danger to life or property, but we are asking people in the affected area to be vigilant and be prepared to leave the area on short notice,” said Bellerby.
The RDCK said homeowners have been notified and given safety advice by the North Shore Fire Department.
The RDCK said this evacuation alert may be followed by an immediate evacuation order should conditions worsen.
There was an initial geotechnical assessment by helicopter of the area today following the mud slide, which will re-assessed Monday.
The RDCK said mud slides and landslides are common in the Kootenays in the spring. Residents who live near areas prone to slides are encouraged to monitor the terrain and any creeks on their property and become familiar with typical patterns. Any unusual events — such as a rapid increase or decrease in flow, or a change in course—may indicate that a landslide has blocked the creek above or that a slide is about to occur.
What you residents do:
- Report a slide emergency that is occurring by calling 911.
- Report any unusual events to the 24-hour toll-free provincial emergency number at 1-800-663-3456.
- Sign up for the RDCK Emergency Notification System (for location-specific orders to evacuate or shelter in place). Go to www.rdck.ca<http://www.rdck.ca> and select “Emergency Alerts” from the home page, or go to the alert system sign-up page at https://rdckemergency.connectrocket.com.
- For general information about emergency preparedness and evacuations, please visit the Emergency Preparedness page of the RDCK website or PreparedBC .
