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Updated: Fri Nov. 20 2009 16:38:35
Darcy Wintonyk, ctvbc.ca
Widespread flooding forced the evacuations of 300 homes and emergency declarations in two southern Vancouver Island towns Friday.
Both the Cowichan and Koksilah Rivers in the City of Duncan and the District of North Cowichan spilled their banks in low-lying areas, putting homes and businesses in jeopardy. Two schools have also been closed for the day.
In Pictures: Vancouver Island flooding
"This is the worst flooding I've seen in 20 years," North Cowichan public information office Mark Rattan told ctvbc.ca.
Heavy rains over the past few days from a low pressure system sweeping across Vancouver Island have saturated the ground to the point the ground can no longer drain, Rattan said.
"It's just terrible."
The B.C. Environment River Forecast Centre recorded a seven year high water level for the Cowichan River early Friday morning, peaking at 3.385 metres around 5:30 a.m.
Work crews have started sandbagging a large area to hold flood waters back from key roadways and homes, but many areas are already in rough shape.
Many Duncan homes and yards are underwater, with flood waters reaching a metre or more high in some areas. Pieces of debris and yard equipment can be seen floating in yards and down residential streets.
Arials seen from CTV's Chopper 9 showed a man rowing a small boat with two passengers through a residential neighbourhood at noon.
Evacuations
The evacuation order is in effect for areas on parts of Beverly Street, all of Heather and Claire Street as well as Campbell Street.
Evacuee Roma Nowicki grabbed her clothes and son's hockey equipment before leaving her Beverly Street home Friday morning.
"It's a little bit scary."
Nowicki estimates her family will be out of their home for up to five days.
"It's pretty bad. It's been really good since they built that dyke, but it's just too much rain and with the high tides it just doesn't look good here."
Tyson Thomas stayed up until 2 a.m. pumping cold and dirty water out of his house.
"Very muddy actually," he said. "About six inches. This is pretty bad."
So far, Tom Johnsen's house has remained above water. He's holding out hope that things won't get worse.
"I'm keeping my fingers crossed," he said. "But I've always wanted an indoor pool so maybe this is my big chance."
Residents are advised to leave their homes immediately. If there is time officials say windows and doors should be closed, and gas and electrical appliances shut down. It is advised not to use phones unless of an emergency.
Residents in the Chesterfield region from the Sportplex to Beverly Street are also under an evacuation alert.
At least 10 roads have been closed to traffic.
An emergency reception centre has been opened at the Island Savings Centre on Evans Street for evacuated residents.
More to come
The River Forecast Centre predicts the wet weather will clear overnight Friday, with showers resuming early Saturday morning. Another frontal system is expected to move in early Monday morning, bringing in more rains to the already drenched area.
Heavy rain has plagued B.C.'s south coast for several days, prompting flood warnings in many Island areas. The city of Courtenay in the Comox Valley declared a state of emergency Wednesday because of flooding. The order was rescinded after water levels lowered early Thursday.
For the latest information on area flooding click here
 A children's playground sits underwater in Duncan, B.C. A state of emergency was issued Nov. 20, 2009, because of major flooding in the Cowichan River.  Homes and businesses in Duncan, B.C., are flooded with water after the banks of local rivers overflowed. Nov. 20, 2009.  The yards of Duncan, B.C., homes are barely recognizable after major flooding spilled the banks of the Cowichan River. Nov. 20, 2009.  A car sits submerged under water in a Duncan, B.C., driveway after major flooding on Nov. 20, 2009. |
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