State of Local Emergency Expanded and Additional Evacuation Order Issued for Ocean Falls due to Flooding and Landslide Risk
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2026
State of Local Emergency Expanded and Additional Evacuation Order Issued for Ocean Falls due to Flooding and Landslide Risk
Central Coast, B.C. – The Central Coast Regional District (CCRD) has expanded the State of Local Emergency to include all of Electoral Area A and has issued an Evacuation Order for a portion of Ocean Falls due to significant flooding and increased landslide risk associated with the March 15, 2026, atmospheric river event impacting British Columbia’s Central Coast.
Qualified professionals from the Ministry of Forests conducted an aerial geotechnical assessment of the slopes and terrain surrounding Ocean Falls and Martin Valley today. The assessment found that there was significant impact from the rain on snow event and high winds during the atmospheric river. This included multiple small slope failures above Martin Valley and Ocean Falls. There have been no impacts to any structures from the landslides at this time. Due to weather conditions, a more thorough assessment of the upper slopes of Mount Caro Marion was not possible and will be conducted when conditions improve. It was determined that the current landslide hazard is very high.
Given the increased landslide hazard above Ocean Falls, the Ministry of Forests recommended an Evacuation Order as a precautionary life-safety measure until a further professional assessment is completed and weather conditions improve. The Evacuation Order was issued today, March 18, 2026, at 7:30 PM for a portion of Ocean Falls from the Ocean Falls Museum to the end of Fifth Street on both sides (a map is included with the Order). There are no residents in the Order area. As of 7:30 PM the CCRD has also expanded the State of Local Emergency, initially issued on March 17, 2026, for the eastern portion of Martin Valley, to now include all of Electoral Area A.
The Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert that were issued on March 17, 2026, remain in place for the areas within the community of Martin Valley.
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.
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/
Evacuation Order – Ocean Falls
https://www.ccrd.ca/emergency-alerts/evacuation-order-ocean-falls/