Navigating Hazards, Risks, and Preparedness in Cowichan
Malahat
Malahat: Overview
The “Malahat” area makes up the southernmost area of the Cowichan region. It is forested, mountainous, and includes Highway 1, which serves as an important connector to the rest of the region. The Malahat mountain range is of great significance to local First Nations.
Emergency Management Cowichan (EMC) acknowledges that the Malahat area is where for thousands of years the Malahat People have walked gently on these unceded territories.
About This Tool: You are viewing the Navigating Hazards, Risks, and Preparedness tool. This interactive resource serves to share information from the Cowichan Hazard, Risk, Vulnerability, and Resiliency Assessment. Learn more at the Emergency Management Cowichan’s (EMC) website .
Scroll down for risks affecting this area or use the navigation bar above.
What Risks Do We Face?
The Cowichan Region Hazard, Risk, Vulnerability, and Resiliency Assessment identified priority hazards to focus regional emergency preparedness efforts. Visit the EMC website to learn more.
In the “Malahat” area, landslides/debris flows , severe winter conditions/windstorms , and extreme heat are highlighted for local preparedness efforts, given the mountainous geography as well as the significance of Highway 1 as a connector. These factors contribute to risk around isolation, limited resources (such as drinking water) and potential for emergency response and utilities disruption. Other hazards may also be a concern.
Scroll down or use the navigation bar above to explore each hazard, understand the risks your community faces, and consider what you can do for emergency preparedness.
Hazard
Risk
Landslide
Definition: Landslides and debris flows occur when rock, debris, or soil moves downslope. Rainfall, earthquakes, wildfires, and human activities can cause landslides.
About this hazard: Landslides and debris flows are a key hazard for the “Malahat” area due to a combination of natural and human-induced factors. The area has steep slopes, rugged terrain, and seasonal rainfall that can reduce soil stability, as well as recreation and other human activities that can impact the soil.
Climate change increases the risk of landslides and debris flows due to more frequent and severe triggering events, such as heavy rainfall caused by atmospheric rivers, as well as preceding wildfires.
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Landslide/Debris Flow: What are examples of key impacts?
- Utility disruptions.
- Loss of community connections.
- Housing and property damage.
Landslide/Debris Flow: Who might be impacted?
- People who live or work in the path of landslide or debris flow.
- People trying to move about the region and experiencing unsafe driving conditions or obstructed roadways.
- People needing access to health services.
- People without an alternate heat source during a power outage.
Landslide/Debris Flow: What can you do?
- Sign up for Cowichan Alert to be notified of a landslide or other emergency happening in your area.
- Visit the EMC website for information on how to prepare for landslides and actions to take during and after a landslide.
- Understand potential landslide impacts by visiting EMC mapping, and assessing if there are steep areas nearby and if you rely on power lines or roads that are in these susceptible areas.
- Make preparations in case you are cut off from power and road access for some days.
- Leave the area if a landslide happens and watch for subsequent floods and landslides.
- Be mindful of driving or walking conditions as certain areas may be obstructed or unsafe.
Severe Winter Conditions and Windstorms
Definition: Severe winter conditions include snowstorms and blizzards. Heavy snowfall, often accompanied by strong winds can cause blizzards, impact infrastructure, and obstruct roadways.
Windstorms consist of strong wind gusts and high wind speed. They are often associated with tropical cyclones from the Pacific Ocean and heavy rain, and can cause damage to power lines and property.
About this hazard: Severe winter conditions and windstorms are hazards for the coastal “Malahat” area due to the mountainous geography, local weather patterns, and vulnerability of the highway. The area’s steep slopes contribute to its exposure to changing weather, and the area has a history of recurring impacts.
Climate change is causing more extreme weather events, with more frequent and intense windstorms. While winters will generally be warmer, there may still be cold snaps.
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Severe Winter/Windstorm: What are examples of key impacts?
- Loss of utility services.
- Limited recreational and cultural access.
- Loss of community connections.
Severe Winter/Windstorm: Who might be impacted?
- Residents in the area who may experience impacts to their safety and homes.
- Commuters trying to get back home and experiencing unsafe driving conditions.
- People needing access to health services.
- People without an alternate heat source during a power outage.
- Recreational users who may not be able to safely be outside.
Severe Winter/Windstorm: What can you do?
- Sign up for Cowichan Alert to be notified of a windstorm, snow storm, or other emergency happening in your area.
- Visit the EMC website for information on actions to take during extreme cold events or power outages caused by windstorms/winter storms .
- Dress appropriately for the weather and avoid exposure to extreme cold and wind as much as possible.
- Ensure your safety when you stay at home during extreme cold or wind events.
- Be mindful of driving or walking conditions as certain areas may be obstructed or unsafe such as areas with downed power lines.
Extreme Heat
Definition: Extreme heat occurs when temperatures are significantly above average. Extreme heat warnings are given when daytime temperatures are over 29 °C and overnight temperatures do not fall below 16 °C for at least 48 hours.
About this hazard: Extreme heat is a hazard that poses several risks to the Cowichan region. Vancouver Island’s inland areas in particular can experience prolonged periods of hot and dry weather during the summer and can exacerbate existing drought, air quality, and wildfire risk conditions.
Climate change is bringing longer, more severe heat waves and hotter nights.
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Extreme Heat: What are examples of key impacts?
- Severe health impacts.
- Unsafe temperatures at work (indoor and outdoor).
- Ecosystem damage, including marine mass mortality events.
Extreme Heat: Who might be impacted?
- Seniors, children, and people with disabilities who are more sensitive to heat related illness.
- People without air conditioning or access to cooling centres.
- People with pre-existing conditions or on particular medications.
- People who are unhoused or experiencing mental health or substance use challenges.
- Rural communities where access to emergency services and health care facilities may be more limited.
- Animal, plant, and ecosystem damage and loss.
Extreme Heat: What can you do?
- Sign up for Cowichan Alert to be notified of extreme temperatures or other emergency happening in your area.
- Visit the EMC website for information on extreme heat preparedness and actions to take during a extreme heat event.
- Stay hydrated and try to get to cooler spaces.
- Plan to check on neighbours and relatives who may be vulnerable to heat. If you are vulnerable, plan to connect with someone to let them know how you are coping.
- Purchase an air conditioner or box fan to cool down your home. Invite neighbours who don’t have air conditioning over to cool down.
Building Resilience
The Cowichan region is a region of community resilience. Here are some stories about how residents and organizations are building resilience across the region. These stories may provide useful insights and strategies that could be beneficial in your local area.
Learn More
To learn more about the information presented in this portal, visit:
- Visit the Emergency Management Cowichan website to stay informed.
- Sign up for Cowichan Alert to be notified of emergencies in the region.
- Join a Neighbourhood Preparedness Team to help emergency response on the ground.
- Curious how to bring in this content into the classroom? Add the “Master of Disaster” program to your curriculum.
- Questions? Email general@emcowichan.ca for more information.
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