Landslide reactivation forces evacuation in Old Fort, British Columbia
A reactivated landslide in Old Fort, northeastern British Columbia, Canada, on April 20, 2026, prompted authorities to issue an evacuation order affecting approximately 150 residents. The movement damaged critical infrastructure, including the closure of the main access road, while Emergency Support Services coordinated evacuations and opened a reception center. Rainfall forecast over the next 48 hours introduces additional risk for slope instability.
Satellite image of Old Fort landslide area in British Columbia acquired on April 21, 2026. Credit: CopernicusEU/Sentinel-2, The Watchers
A reactivated landslide in the Old Fort area of northeastern British Columbia triggered an evacuation order on April 20, after authorities identified active ground movement posing a threat to life and safety. Officials ordered approximately 150 residents to leave a large section of the community as slope instability continued.
EmergencyInfoBC, the Government of British Columbia’s emergency information service, reported that the landslide damaged Old Fort Road, the primary access route to the area, leaving no safe passage for residents. Authorities closed the road and restricted access due to unstable ground conditions.
“An Evacuation Order remains in effect for the Old Fort area due to an active landslide and ongoing risk to safety. There is no safe road access to or from the community,” Peace River Regional District (PRRD) officials said late April 22.
Officials described the landslide as active, with ground cracking reported across the affected area. The location is a known landslide zone, and the current movement represents reactivation within an already unstable slope system.
“Risk is not limited to the currently moving section of the landslide,” PRRD said. “The entire historical slide area presents a risk to life and property and remains under Evacuation Order.”
According to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT), the main slide mass continues to move, with a section of Old Fort Road displaced approximately 48 m (157 feet) downslope.
MoTT has identified debris buildup, visible cracking, and water pooling within the slide area. These conditions may result in sudden and unpredictable changes in movement, including direction and speed, and there remains the potential for impacts beyond the current slide area.
“Conditions are unstable and can change without warning,” PRRD said.
“The landslide area and surrounding ground are extremely dangerous. Vehicles parked on either side of the landslide may be at risk due to ongoing ground movement and potential expansion of the affected area. Traffic control has been repositioned to a safer location west of the Evacuation Order area. Do not drive or park beyond this point.”
“Do not approach, stop, or park near the landslide area under any circumstances. Emergency services are not able to access the area.”
Emergency Support Services coordinated evacuation operations for affected residents and supported displacement measures. Authorities also opened an evacuation shelter to accommodate those affected by the order.
Rainfall is forecast over northeastern British Columbia over the next 48 hours, increasing the risk of further slope movement. Precipitation can increase pore-water pressure within slope materials, reducing shear strength and accelerating movement in unstable terrain.
References:
1 Evacuation Order issued for Old Fort area – Emergency Info BC – April 22, 2026
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
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