B.C. extends state of emergency again that was put in place after November Rain

British Columbia is again extending its provincial state of emergency that's been in place after torrential rain caused severe flooding and mudslides last month.

The province says in a news release that multiple highways are still damaged, so the emergency order, which gives the province additional powers, is being extended to Jan. 11.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says in the release that while significant progress has been made on repairs, there's still more to do to reopen highways and get people back into their homes.

The order restricting travel on the Coquihalla Highway, or Highway 5, and on Highway 99 will remain in place.

The Coquihalla Highway, a major link between Metro Vancouver and southern British Columbia to the rest of the province, was reopened on Dec. 20 following round-the-clock repairs, but only to trucks and intercity buses.