2 hours ago
Swift News
Sections of highway have been washed out in Haida Gwaii and northwest B.C. in the aftermath of an atmospheric river system that soaked the area earlier this week.
The Haida Nation warned of "extreme flooding" in Haida Gwaii on Monday, as a stretch of the crucial Highway 16 was shut due to a major washout.
DriveBC says the highway is closed between Lawnhill Road and Miller Road, for a 5.3-kilometre stretch, with no detour in place as of 6 a.m. PT Tuesday. An update is expected at 5 p.m., according to DriveBC.
Residents said the washout cut off a critical north-south route on the archipelago, affecting access to hospitals and critical infrastructure.
The Haida Nation said in a statement that other areas of the region, including Skidegate, Daajing Giids and backroads, were also affected by flooding.
There are resources available for those who need temporary shelter, according to the nation, at both the north and south ends of the archipelago.
Meanwhile, Highway 16 has also been washed out for a 42-kilometre stretch between Prince Rupert and Terrace, B.C.