The Peace River Regional District has issued a new Evacuation Alert in Old Fort as the landslide continues to cause safety issues.
The Evacuation Alert includes properties south of 7069 265 Road, 9909 240 Road and 9911 240 Road. The area is located north of Old Fort Road and borders the D.R.S. Energy Gravel Pit.
A 235-metre area west of the evacuation order issued on Monday is also part of the new alert. Monday’s order remains in effect for all properties east of 7711 Old Fort Road.
The PRRD says those located in the new evacuation area must prepare to leave immediately by gathering family members and pets, and by packing critical items. Those needing assistance evacuating should call 1-800-670-7773.
The district says the site of the slide is “extremely unstable and still actively moving.” A section of Old Fort Road has moved about 48 metres downslope since Monday.
“These conditions may result in sudden and unpredictable changes in movement, including direction and speed, and there remains the potential for impacts beyond the current slide area,“ the PRRD said. ”Conditions are unstable and can change without warning."
The district also says B.C.’s Transportation Ministry has identified debris buildup, visible cracking and pooling within the slide area. CJDC-TV News reported on Wednesday the movement is accelerating and has reached two to three feet per hour.
The 400-metre long slide formed on Sunday, triggering the initial evacuation order for dozens of residents after it cut off road access in and out of the community.
Transport Minister Mike Farnworth said creating an alternate route could cost between $250 and $300 million and still wouldn’t guarantee safety from landslides.
Staff from the ministry are monitoring the slide to see how it’s moving, he said during question period at the B.C. legislature in Victoria on Thursday.
“It has slowed down somewhat but it initially was moving at a rate of about 90 centimetres an hour, which is pretty significant, pretty fast,” Farnworth said.
Residents who were not able to leave after an Evacuation Order was issued late Monday have been asked to shelter in a safe place and conserve essential supplies.
Jordan Kealy, the member of the legislature for the area, said about 70 of the 150 people in the community have evacuated, while others have chosen to stay.
He said this is the third time his constituents have been forced to evacuate from a landslide in recent years, and the provincial government should have reinforced the slope where the landslide occurred.
Kealy said at least one resident has expressed concern to him about looters.
“Some people have their reasons for not wanting to leave,” he said.
Kealy said the area is a nice place to live, but residents who want to leave could have difficulty selling their homes.
“If there’s a scenario of the hillside giving way and they don’t actually fix it, who’s going to want to come in and buy your home?” he asked.
Kealy said there’s still snow on the ground in Old Fort and the landslide is in an area where water travels.
“It can cause things to move and it could be unpredictable,” he said, adding that he expects the evacuation alerts to be in place for some time.
The landslide has cut off the only roadway in and out of Old Fort.
With Files from The Canadian Press.
