Comox Valley issues State of Local Emergency due to flooding, 1 person may be missing

The Comox Valley Regional District has issued a State of Local Emergency due to flooding in the area.

One person may also be missing, according to a report from the RCMP.

The regional district, in partnership with the City of Courtenay, K’ómoks First Nation, and Comox Valley Emergency Management Service say the current flood conditions include rising waters, flooding and risk to property.

The regional district has also issued an evacuation order for the following areas:

• Maple Pool Campground
• Three properties along Stephen Road – 3054 Stephen Rd, 3074 Stephen Rd, 3104 Stephen Rd
• Nine properties along Headquarters Road – 4697, 4685, 4679, 4673, 4667, 4661, 4659, 4653, 4629

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Comox Valley RCMP confirmed to Global News that first responders have been deployed to assist with the evacuation of people from affected areas.

Search and Rescue officials have been using inflatable boats to rescue people, their pets and even livestock.

Paul Berry with Comox Valley Search and Rescue said there has been significant rain in the region over the past 48 hours.

“Initially, this was called in as flooding,” he said. “Now we’re looking at a much higher flow swiftwater situation. So what you can’t see is what’s below the surface, all those sorts of debris that’s below the water that can trap people, so it’s a good idea to get everyone out as quickly as we can.”

Berry said the rivers are as full as they can be at this time.

He also said they received a report from the RCMP that someone had been swept into the Puntledge River.

“(A person) attempted to rescue someone in the river and were not able to, so now we’re responding to look for and attempt to recover, rescue that person,” Berry added.

An Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been opened at the Comox Valley Regional District.

In a statement, the regional district says that residents are encouraged to follow the directions of emergency service personnel and obey all road and trail closures.

People should also stay away from waterways and low-lying areas.

Highway 28, west of Campbell River, is closed due to a washout.