Evacuation alerts issued along Chilliwack River as heavy rain drenches region

Properties under evacuation alert in the Sheldon Road area of Electoral Area "E" are seen in a map from the Fraser Valley Regional District. (Handout)

Officials have placed a number of properties along the Chilliwack River under evacuation alert as a rainstorm continues drenching B.C.’s South Coast.

The Fraser Valley Regional District issued the alerts late Thursday afternoon for properties in Electoral Area “E,” specifically in the Sheldon Road area and Wilson Road area, citing “potential danger to life and safety” due to high river flows.

Officials urged affected residents to pack their essential items—such as medications, pet supplies, government IDs and important documents—and be ready to leave on short notice.

The FVRD also asked that they make plans for anyone who might need assistance, such as seniors and people with disabilities, including neighbours.

• Related: 8 people, 3 pets rescued after landslide knocks out power lines in Coquitlam

Sand and sandbags have also been made available at several locations listed on the FVRD website.

Much of the Fraser Valley remains under a rainfall warning from Environment and Climate Change Canada due to a “prolonged atmospheric river event,” which is expected to continue into Friday.

“Heavy rain on snow combined with mountain snow melt could lead to very enhanced responses in river systems and potential for flooding,” the warning reads.

• Related: Mudslide in Maple Ridge stops West Coast Express service

The weather agency said some roads “may become impassible,” and urged drivers not to attempt to navigate through flooded routes.

Earlier in the day, a landslide cut off access to homes in northern Coquitlam—prompting a rescue effort that resulted in eight people, two dogs and a cat being airlifted to safety.

A mudslide in Maple Ridge also halted West Coast Express service. 

Environment and Climate Change Canada warned that further landslides are possible in “vulnerable areas such as steep slopes, deforested areas or recent burn scars.”