(Campbell River, BC) – Following the State of Local Emergency declared by the Village of Zeballos on November 6, 2026, the Village and Strathcona Regional District (SRD) continue to monitor flooding and landslide risks in the community as ongoing storm conditions affect the area.
While the landslide area remains stable with no further debris movement reported, ongoing heavy rainfall and water runoff continue to pose risks to residential properties and infrastructure. Based on guidance from geotechnical professionals and continued storm activity, all current Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Alerts will remain in effect through at least Monday, November 16, 2026.
Emergency officials continue working to manage water flows, reduce further damage and assess conditions. An additional aerial geotechnical assessment is anticipated early next week, weather permitting.
Landslide Update from Geotech Professional
A geotechnical engineer attended the site on November 7 and completed an aerial assessment by helicopter on November 9. An interim report is pending, with another aerial assessment anticipated early next week, weather permitting. A final report with recommendations will follow.
The landslide originated high on the mountainside within the area affected by the 2018 wildfire. What began as a relatively small rockfall accumulated additional rock, trees and debris as it travelled downhill, with an estimated 50 cubic metres of material reaching the area below the cliffs.
Following the 2018 wildfire, the Village of Zeballos secured emergency funding to install specialized debris protection systems, including a debris flow net completed in 2024.
The debris net performed as intended, capturing approximately 99% of the landslide debris and preventing it from reaching homes below. However, the accumulated debris blocked the existing creek channel, redirecting water downhill and causing localized flooding, erosion and damage to several homes and roads.
With ongoing heavy rainfall limiting the ability to implement long-term solutions, interim measures are underway to redirect water, control erosion and reduce the risk of further damage to residential properties and critical infrastructure.
Emergency officials continue to monitor weather conditions and will assess further recommendations as additional geotechnical information becomes available.
Current Evacuation Orders and Alerts
Evacuation Order – Remains in Effect
The Evacuation Order remains in place for the following properties:
- Maquinna Avenue: 108, 110, 112, 116 and 118.
- Pandora Crescent: 202, 203, 206, 207 and 214.
- Additional properties: Vacant and unaddressed lots identified in the official Evacuation Order.
Residents of these properties must remain evacuated until the Order is officially lifted.
Evacuation Alert – Remains in Effect
Evacuation Alerts remain in effect for 101, 102, 104, 105, 106, 107, 109, 111, 113 and 115 Maquinna Avenue, as well as 402, 404 and 406 Ferris Road and additional properties identified in the official Evacuation Alert.
Residents under Evacuation Alert may remain in their homes but must be prepared to evacuate on short notice if directed by emergency officials.
Residents are encouraged to review the official evacuation notices and maps at srd.ca/eoc to confirm the status of their property.
Maquinna Road – No Stopping Permitted
Maquinna Road remains a no-stopping zone due to ongoing risks. Stopping, parking or gathering along the road is not permitted. Residents and visitors are asked to limit travel through the affected area to essential trips only.
Power Restoration Update
We recognize the significant impact the prolonged power outage has had on residents throughout Zeballos, including those outside the Evacuation Order and Alert areas. The Village of Zeballos and SRD continue to communicate daily with BC Hydro regarding restoration efforts. Unfortunately, ongoing storm conditions have prevented crews from safely accessing the area to complete the necessary work and restore power.
For the latest information on power restoration, residents are encouraged to visit bchydro.com/power-outages or call 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376).
Financial Assistance for Spoiled Food
Residents who have lost food due to the prolonged power outage may be eligible for financial assistance through the Province of BC's Crisis Supplement program. The program may provide a one-time payment to help replace spoiled food for eligible individuals and families receiving income, disability or hardship assistance.
Applications can be submitted online through My Self Serve (myselfserve.gov.bc.ca), by calling 1-866-866-0800, or in person at a Ministry or Service BC office. This is an existing provincial program, not administered by the SRD. Eligibility and approval are determined by the Province.
Emergency Support Services (ESS) for Evacuated Residents
Emergency Support Services (ESS) remain available to eligible residents within the Evacuation Order area who have been displaced from their primary residence. Residents who have not yet registered for ESS are encouraged to contact the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). Residents staying with friends or family may also qualify for assistance.
To help access ESS supports remotely, residents are encouraged to download the BC Services Card app and complete the verification process. This may allow eligible residents to receive financial assistance through Interac e-Transfer. Residents already registered for ESS will be contacted by the ESS team as their current supports approach expiry to discuss any ongoing needs. For assistance or eligibility questions, contact the EOC at 250-830-6702 or emergencyservices@srd.ca.
Ongoing Monitoring and Next Update
Public safety remains the highest priority. The Village of Zeballos and SRD will continue monitoring weather conditions, managing water flows and working with geotechnical professionals to assess ongoing risks. Residents should plan for all current evacuation measures to remain in effect through at least Monday, November 16, 2026.
The next community update is anticipated on Monday, November 16, following an expected improvement in weather conditions and further geotechnical assessment, weather permitting. Should conditions change or new information require adjustments to the current emergency measures, an update will be provided sooner.
We sincerely thank residents for their continued patience, understanding and cooperation, as well as emergency response crews, Village Public Works staff and Emergency Support Services volunteers for their ongoing efforts.
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.
- SRD Emergency Operations Centre: 250-830-6702 | emergencyservices@srd.ca