Evacuation alert issued in small B.C. community over fears of mudslide

PEMBERTON, B.C. – Thirty-eight properties in a small community northeast of Pemberton, B.C., have been placed on an evacuation alert just days after a mudslide.

The Sunday morning slide at Birken closed a road, cut off power and led to evacuation orders that were lifted on Tuesday.

But Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for the area, saying precipitation could exceed 50 millimetres.

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District has issued an evacuation alert, saying the risk of debris and flooding around Birken presents a potential danger to life, safety and property.

The alert is not an order to leave but an opportunity to prepare in case the regional district issues an evacuation order.

Officials say residents can prepare by gathering essential items, like medications, eyeglasses and valuable documents, locating all family members and designating a meeting place in a safe area.