The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) has issued a local state of emergency for the Cowichan Valley and many neighbouring communities due to the heavy rainfall hitting the province.
Across the region, record rainfall continues to cause flooding, mudslides and road closures.
The state of emergency applies to areas of the Cowichan Valley Regional District, the Municipality of North Cowichan, City of Duncan, Cowichan Tribes, Halalt First Nation and Penelakut Tribe.
The CVRD recommends that all residents in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate at any time.
Early on the morning of November 15th, an evacuation alert and evacuation order were issued for the Meadow Glen apartment building on Canada Avenue in Duncan.
The Cowichan Community Centre has now been established as a reception centre for evacuated residents of this building and any other affected residents in the region.
Additional evacuation orders will be posted to the Alertable network, the Alertable app as well as can be found on the CVRD website for up-to-date information.
Door-to-door notifications will also be completed in affected areas as necessary.
The Malahat (HWY 1) is currently closed in both directions at Finlayson Arm Road near Goldstream due to extreme flooding.
See more: Malahat closed in both directions due to extreme flooding (VIDEO)
Crews are currently on scene in an attempt to clear gutters and redirect rainwater, however, as the rain continues, there is no estimated time of the highway reopening.
Across Vancouver Island, road closures and flooding continue to affect residents.
Residents can expect up to 180 millimeters of rain in some areas, including the Greater Victoria area, as flood warnings and advisories are in effect near major rivers.
Environment Canada extended the rainfall warnings early Monday for all areas of the island except the far north, saying water pooling and flash flooding was possible.
By Monday afternoon, heavy wind gusts are expected to move in.
