Evacuation Orders in Martin Valley and Ocean Falls extended to April 14 due to continued landslide risk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 1, 2026

Evacuation Orders in Martin Valley and Ocean Falls extended to April 14 due to continued landslide risk

Central Coast, B.C. – Martin Valley and Ocean Falls, BC – The Evacuation Orders and State of Local Emergency for Martin Valley (east side) and Ocean Falls have been extended for 14 days, to April 14, 2026, due to continued landslide hazard risk within the area. The alert on the west side of Martin Valley also remains in place.

While flooding has subsided following the March 15–16 event, landslide risk remains and is still being assessed. The extension allows more time to understand that risk before residents can return safely.

Residents must not enter the areas or return to their homes or properties until an all-clear is issued. The Evacuation Order includes the following areas:

For Martin Valley (east side), the evacuation route is east along Marine Drive toward Ocean Falls, continuing to Front Street, where Emergency Support Services are available. Travel along Fifth Street in Ocean Falls is prohibited under the Evacuation Order for this area.

If you need transportation assistance or have not yet registered for Emergency Support Services (ESS), call 250-982-0062 or register in person at the Old Bank Inn, 1 Front Street, Ocean Falls.

CCRD’s Emergency Operations Centre remains active and continues to work with the Ocean Falls Improvement District, Heiltsuk Nation, provincial ministries, and other local partners.

CCRD will make sand and sandbags available, as needed, to mitigate future flooding.

Residents may continue to see crews, vehicles, and equipment in the community. These are part of ongoing reviews, monitoring, and response coordination. Additional geotechnical review is underway to determine when it is safe for residents to return. CCRD will provide updates throughout the extension period and as conditions change, including relevant results from the geotechnical review.

Quick Facts:

• The Evacuation Orders and State of Local Emergency for Martin Valley (east side) and Ocean Falls are being extended for an additional 14 days, to April 14, 2026.
• The alert on the west side of Martin Valley also remains in place.
• CCRD will continue to provide updates as available.

Learn More:

• Visit the CCRD website at www.ccrd.ca
• Follow the CCRD Facebook page at www.facebook.com/centralcoastregionaldistrict
• Visit www.EmergencyInfoBC.ca
• Visit the Province’s Get prepared for a landslide webpage for important safety information

 

Media Contact:
Central Coast Regional District
Emergency Management Program
Phone: 250-799-5291
Email: info@ccrd.ca