The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has declared a state of local emergency in Roberts Creek and ordered the evacuation of four properties due to flooding and debris flow that washed out sections of Lower Road starting late Friday.
The evacuation order, issued Sunday at 3 p.m., is for 1815 Lower Road and 2016, 2022 and 2028 Ocean Beach Esplanade. Residents must leave the area immediately.
Valerie Durant, who owns the property at 2028 Ocean Beach Esplanade, described the damage to the beach and two properties on either side of a fast-flowing water channel as “carnage, to put it mildly.”
Durant was in Vancouver Sunday but had been in contact with neighbours who sent her photos and reports from the scene, where properties are piled high with debris. At least one home has sustained damage, Durant said.
“If the wall blows out or the creek continues to rise, potentially the water will flow under this house and under ours.”
The damage was noticeably worse on Sunday, she said.
“The alluvial fan continues to expand across our property as the central flow is plugged by a growing pile of rocks and debris. If the rock pile is not removed by crane via barge, further property damage will continue.”
The SCRD did not release details of any steps that are being taken to mitigate the flooding and debris flow.
But an evacuation alert was issued for other properties in the area, advising those residents that they might have to leave on 10 minutes notice.
The properties on evacuation alert are: 1994, 1998 and 2044 Ocean Beach Esplanade, 1843 and 1847 Lower Road and Lot 6, Plan VAP6446, District Lot 2497.
Residents on evacuation alert are advised to listen to 91.7 Coast FM for updates and instructions.
Those under the evacuation order can call 604-885-6800 for transportation or information.
They are advised to shut off all gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators or freezers; take pets and critical items such as wallets, medicine and keys; close windows and doors and latch gates; and not use more vehicles than necessary to leave the property.
