Danger of landslide - evacuation alert issued for Sicamous Creek Mobile Home Park

Photo: Shuswap Emergency Program

An evacuation alert has been issued for Sicamous Creek Mobile Home Park.

The District of Sicamous and Shuswap Emergency Program say the threat of a landslide near Wiseman Creek is increasing and may pose a risk.

Due to the potential danger to life, health or property, the evacuation alert is in effect for all residences, numbers 1 through 27, at the mobile home park on Highway 97A.

A geotechnical engineering report released last month concluded the chance of a landslide in the wake of last summer's Two Mile Road wildfire is almost a 100 per cent certainty.

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District was working on an early warning system for landslides and possible debris flows in the area.

Damage to the landscape from last summer’s fire left slopes above the mobile home park unstable, the report stated.

The alert is intended to give residents time to be ready for a possible evacuation.

"Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation, however, you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions," the district says.

Residents should have grab-and-go bags ready.

Gather essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers, and immediate care needs for dependents.

Make sure you have enough clothing and incidentals for a 72-hour period and have these items readily available for quick departure.

Accommodation in the area may be limited. Arrange to stay with family or friends, if possible, the district advises.