As more landslides expected, Whitehorse cautions some to prepare in case they become trapped

As more landslides are expected in Whitehorse, the city has distributed packages to some residentsthat includes advice on how to prepare for the possibility of being trapped.

The packages were delivered to residents who live in the areas where landslides are expected to occur.

This includesinstructions such as havingenough supplies ready to lastfor 72 hours,and signs to go in residents' windows that say HELP or OK.

TaylorEspheter, manager of engineering servicesfor the city, said the package is precautionary.

"So it's just some, you know, some general emergency preparedness information in there," he said.

The city said in a news release the landslides are being caused by groundwater exiting the escarpment slope, andadditional experts are being brought in to further assess the situation.

An earlier release said officialsare monitoring the entire escarpmentand responding to landslides. The public is being told to avoid the base of theescarpment and closed-off areas such as Sixth Avenue from Jeckell Street to Drury Street,and the dog park at the end of Main Street.

The city announced on Sunday it hasexpandedthe number of fenced perimeters at the base of the escarpment as a safety measure.

The release also said there is no risk to the public or private properties.

'We're just seeing more slides'

Dave Newell liveson Wood Street, close to one of the landslides, and has lived in that area for decades.

He said there have been landslides in the past, but they are becoming more frequent.

"So it's not newto me. But, you know, it's obviously, with more snow, now we're just seeing more slides," Newell said.

Anne Middler lives near the escarpment but a bit further from the area that could be at risk.

She said the city is in a tough position with its response, but she thinks officialsmade the right call closing off certain areas.

"You'll have people who think you're doing too much or not doing enough," she said.

"But I think this is one example of where they took a precaution. And it was wise and it was prudent and it kept people out of here when there was a risk."

Cleanup on earlier landslide had just begun

The situationcomes after the city had just started cleaning up a massive landslide that occurred late last month.

Thatlandslide was the result ofabout 3,000 to 4,000 cubic metres of sand, silt and clay thatfell from the escarpmentacross Robert Service Way and the Millennium Trail, and then into the Yukon River.

The city said the current sliding is not causedby the recent construction of the sheet piling wall along Robert Service Way.

Anyone who witnesses a landslide is asked to report it to the city at 867-667-2111.