AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 10, 2026
Evacuation Orders Persist in Zeballos Following Landslide
An evacuation order for sections of Zeballos, a small village on northwest Vancouver Island, will remain in place through Friday as authorities monitor heavy rainfall and the risk of further landslides. The order was issued after a landslide affected parts of the community earlier in the week.
Properties and Areas Affected
The evacuation directive covers 10 addressed properties on Pandora Crescent and Maquinna Avenue, along with several vacant lots in the village. Zeballos, home to about 125 residents, faces ongoing challenges after debris from a landslide impacted these areas on November 6. The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) confirmed the debris event led to safety concerns for those living in affected zones.
Severe Weather and Rainfall Warnings
On Monday, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued an orange rainfall warning for west Vancouver Island, predicting 150 to 200 millimetres of rain beginning Tuesday morning. The warning indicates a high probability of major or widespread impacts, including possible localized flooding and impassable roads. ECCC expects the heaviest rainfall to ease by Wednesday morning, but moderate precipitation is anticipated to continue through Thursday morning.
Complications from Storms and Power Outage
The regional district reported that the area has been without power for several days, further complicating emergency response efforts. According to Bonnie Logan, acting manager of emergency services at SRD, restoration and mitigation work cannot begin until the area is properly assessed by geotechnical experts—a process hampered by the ongoing severe weather. Logan noted that while the main road through Zeballos remains open, stopping is not permitted, and travel should be limited to essential trips.
Emergency Response and Community Resilience
On social media, the regional district stated that updates on the evacuation order and related alerts are expected after the current series of storms subsides, likely on Friday. The state of emergency declared for the village marks the first widespread evacuation in the area since a wildfire eight years ago.
Leadership and Local Response
Bob Berthelotte, who was recently sworn in as mayor of Zeballos, described his own close call as debris from the landslide reached his property. He recounted being alerted by his dog to the imminent danger. Berthelotte emphasized the strength and unity of the community in responding to the emergency, stating, "Me being a resident there for this long, I'm not just the mayor, I'm also a neighbour and a friend. So when something happens, we're all there for each other, which is a little bit of a blessing."
Looking Ahead
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as further storm systems are expected. The SRD plans to reassess conditions and provide additional updates after the immediate weather threats pass and safety assessments can be completed.
Related coverage
Source: cbc.ca.
