Evacuation Order Issued for Martin Valley Near Ocean Falls Due to Flooding and Landslide Risk
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2026
Evacuation Order Issued for Martin Valley Near Ocean Falls Due to Flooding and Landslide Risk
Central Coast, B.C. — The Central Coast Regional District (CCRD) has issued an Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert for the areas within the community of Martin Valley, located approximately 2 kilometres west of Ocean Falls, following significant flooding and heightened landslide risk associated with the March 15, 2026, atmospheric river event impacting British Columbia’s Central Coast.
Ocean Falls is a small, remote coastal community on the Central Coast of British Columbia, accessible primarily by boat or air. The nearby community of Martin Valley is home to the majority of the area’s residents, approximately 50 permanent residents, situated along the valley floor beneath steep mountain slopes.
Beginning March 15, 2026, a strong atmospheric river made landfall along the B.C. coast, bringing heavy precipitation. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Special Weather Statement for the Central Coast, the region was set to receive 100–150 mm of rainfall in valley areas, with significantly higher amounts in the surrounding mountains. Temperatures rose above seasonal norms, triggering rain-on-snow conditions and rapid snowmelt, greatly increasing runoff from surrounding slopes.
On the morning of Monday, March 16, 2026, community members and staff from the Ocean Falls Improvement District reported extensive flooding within Martin Valley. Water flowing off Mount Caro Marion moved through residential areas and roads, with additional reports of landslide activity on nearby slopes.
An Evacuation Alert was initially issued on March 16 at 4:30 PM for the Eastern portion of Martin Valley to notify residents of an ongoing flood hazard and to advise households to prepare to leave their homes if conditions worsen.
The area above Martin Valley has a documented history of landslides, including a significant slide on December 19, 2025. While no injuries or damage occurred during that event, it reinforced the ongoing geotechnical risk present in the area. Other historical landslides include the 1965 landslide that tragically claimed six lives, as well as a 2015 slide that impacted the main transportation route between Ocean Falls and Martin Valley.
Given the current saturated soils, unstable slopes, and ongoing weather impacts, the CCRD engaged a geotechnical specialist on Mar 17, 2026, to evaluate landslide risk. Based on current conditions, professional advice recommended issuing an evacuation order due to the unknown level of life-safety risk until further assessment can be completed.
Following a desktop review by geotechnical professionals, the CCRD was advised that, due to the saturated ground conditions, active flooding, and uncertainty regarding slope stability, an Evacuation Order was necessary as a precautionary life-safety measure until further professional assessment can be completed.
The area that was originally under Evacuation Alert was expanded to an Evacuation Order for the Eastern side of Martin Valley on March 17 at 8:00 PM. In addition to the evacuation order for the eastern side of Martin Valley, the CCRD issued an Evacuation Alert for the west side of the Martin Valley community to increase awareness of potential hazards and ensure residents are prepared should conditions worsen.
Qualified professionals from the Ministry of Forests are expected to conduct a follow-up geotechnical assessment of the slopes and surrounding terrain once conditions allow safe access to the area.
The CCRD Emergency Management Program continues to work closely with the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, RCMP, technical specialists, Ocean Falls Improvement District, and local partners to monitor conditions and conduct hazard assessments as soon as possible.
Residents affected by the evacuation order who require assistance with basic needs such as accommodation, meals, or other supports can access Emergency Support Services (ESS) in Ocean Falls at the Old Bank Inn. For additional information about Emergency Support Services, residents can call 250-982-0062.
Residents with event-related questions or concerns may contact the Central Coast Regional District Emergency Management Program at 250-799-5291 from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
The CCRD will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.
The Central Coast Regional District respectfully acknowledges that the community of Ocean Falls and Martin Valley are located within the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Heiltsuk Nation and Kitasoo/Xai’Xais Nation, who have cared for these lands and waters since time immemorial. We recognize and respect their enduring relationship with the land and remain committed to working in partnership and with respect as we support the safety and well-being of all communities in the region.
Media Contact:
Central Coast Regional District
Emergency Management Program
Phone: 250-799-5291
Email: Info@ccrd.ca
Links:
Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ocean Falls weather
https://weather.gc.ca/en/location/index.html?coords=52.347,-127.689
State of Local Emergency Order
https://www.ccrd.ca/emergency-alerts/declaration-of-state-of-local-emergency-area-a-martin-valley/
Evacuation Order – Martin Valley East
https://www.ccrd.ca/emergency-alerts/evacuation-order-martin-valley/
Evacuation Alert – Martin Valley West
https://www.ccrd.ca/emergency-alerts/evacuation-alert-martin-valley-bc-along-laneway-twin-lakes-road/