UPDATED: RDCK declares a State of Local Emergency for Electoral Area I
By Nelson Daily Staff
A mudslide near Castlegar has prompted the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has declared a State of Local Emergency for Electoral Area I.
The slide closed down Highway 3A approximately four kilometres north of Castlegar.
The declaration empowers the RDCK to take actions necessary to protect human life and property from the threat of further landslides.
“At this time, today’s mud slide and the immediate risk of more slides only affect a small area. We continue to monitor the situation and will advise the public if any other properties or areas are at risk,” said Andrew Bellerby, Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Director in a media release Wednesday.
“For now, residents should look into other options for travel through the area, and stay tuned to local media for updates.”
The RDCK has also issued an evacuation order for a single property due to the immediate danger to life safety in the vicinity of Sentinel Mountain forest service road in the Thrums area. Property owners have been advised.
The highway was subsequently closed in both directions forcing traffic to take alternate routes through Pass Creek and Highway 3, over the Bombi Pass. As well
West Kootenay Transit had extra buses on to assist with riders. For transit updates check the West Kootenay Transit Website.
DriveBC said Highway 3A could be open to single lane traffic Wednesday evening.
The RDCK said its activated EOC to support all agencies involved and is working alongside the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO) in response to the incident.
More information, including evacuation alerts, orders or rescinds, will be shared as the situation develops. For updates, please visit www.rdck.ca, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
Mudslide closes Highway 3A near Brilliant
A mudslide two kilometers east of Brilliant, between Castlegar and Nelson, Wednesday has blocked Highway 3A DriveBC reports.
DriveBC website said geotechnical assessment is ongoing with no estimated time of the highway re-opening.
Light vehicle detour is through Pass Creek, with an estimated time of 30 minutes.
Commercial vehicle traffic is being re-routed on Highway 3 over the Bombi Pass.
Next update is 3 p.m. For highway information go to DriveBC.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to support all agencies involved. More information will be shared as the situation develops.
