ZEBALLOS UPDATE 6 | Zeballos Flooding and Landslide Risk – Evacuation Orders Amended, Some Residents Permitted to Return Home

(Campbell River, BC) – The Village of Zeballos and Strathcona Regional District (SRD) Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) remain active as emergency response efforts continue following flooding and landslide risks in the community. Following the State of Local Emergency declared on November 6, 2026, a geotechnical assessment of the affected area has now been received, and recommendations are being implemented.

As a result, the Village of Zeballos has amended its Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert, allowing some residents to return home. However, evacuation measures remain in effect for properties where risks continue. Emergency officials continue to monitor conditions closely, particularly with additional storm systems and heavy rainfall forecast throughout the week. Conditions will be reassessed as weather systems move through the area.

Updated Evacuation Orders and Alerts
 

Evacuation Order – Remains in Effect for the following addressed properties:

• Maquinna Avenue: 108, 110, 112, 116 and 118.
• Pandora Crescent: 202, 203, 206, 207 and 214.
• Additional properties: Several vacant or unaddressed lots identified in the official amended Evacuation Order and accompanying map.

Residents of these properties must remain evacuated until the Order is officially lifted.

While the updated Evacuation Order may appear to include additional properties, this reflects the inclusion of vacant and unaddressed lots to provide greater clarity about the affected area.

Evacuation Alert – Residents Permitted to Return Home

The following properties have been downgraded from an Evacuation Order to an Evacuation Alert, meaning residents are now permitted to return home:

• Maquinna Avenue - 101, 102, 104, 105, 106, 107, 109, 111, 113 and 115

Although residents at these addresses may return home, they remain under Evacuation Alert and must be prepared to evacuate on short notice if directed by emergency officials.

The Evacuation Alert also remains in effect for:

• Ferris Road - 402, 404 and 406 along with additional properties identified in the amended Alert and accompanying map.

Residents are encouraged to review the official evacuation notices and updated maps at srd.ca/eoc to confirm the status of their property.

Returning Home Safely

Residents returning home are reminded to use caution and assess their property for potential hazards, including damage from flooding and prolonged power outages.

Food Safety – Check Your Fridge and Freezer

If your home has been without power, food in your refrigerator or freezer may no longer be safe to eat.

Before restocking:

• Take photos and document spoiled food for potential insurance claims.
• Check food temperatures and discard anything that may no longer be safe.
• Clean and disinfect your refrigerator and freezer before using them again.

Remember, refrigerated food generally stays cold for approximately four hours without power, while a full freezer may maintain safe temperatures for up to 48 hours if kept closed. When in doubt, throw it out.

For more detailed food safety and returning-home information, visit srd.ca/eoc.

Power Restoration Update

The Village of Zeballos and SRD have been in contact with BC Hydro. At this time, there are no new updates regarding power restoration. Residents are encouraged to monitor BC Hydro directly for the latest outage information:

• Website: bchydro.com/power-outages
• Phone: 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376)

Emergency Support Services (ESS) for Evacuated Residents

Residents within the Evacuation Order area who have not yet registered for Emergency Support Services (ESS) are encouraged to contact the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). ESS provides temporary assistance with basic needs for eligible residents evacuated from their primary residence. 

Residents staying with friends or family may also qualify. Support cannot be provided retroactively, so residents should register as soon as possible while evacuated. For assistance or eligibility questions, contact the EOC at 250-830-6702 or emergencyservices@srd.ca.

Ongoing Monitoring and Public Updates

Public safety remains the highest priority. The Village of Zeballos and SRD will continue monitoring weather conditions and landslide risks and implementing recommendations from the geotechnical assessment.

Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available or conditions change.

We sincerely thank emergency response crews, Village Public Works staff and Emergency Support Services volunteers for their continued efforts, as well as residents for their patience, understanding and cooperation.

Stay Informed

• Residents and visitors are encouraged to download the free Alertable app or subscribe at srd.ca/alerts to receive emergency notifications.
• For official evacuation notices, updated maps and the latest emergency information, visit srd.ca/eoc or follow the SRD's official social media channels.
• For emergency preparedness information, visit srd.ca/emergency-preparedness.

Emergency Contact Information

• For immediate emergencies, call 9-1-1.
• SRD Emergency Operations Centre: 250-830-6702
• Email: emergencyservices@srd.ca

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Media Contact: SRD Emergency Operations Centre: 250-830-6702  |  emergencyservices@srd.ca