Catastrophic Rains and Deadly Storm in Vancouver, Canada

Following severe rains and landslides in western Canada, hundreds of people were rescued by helicopter. Thousands evacuated their homes. Floods destroyed two major Vancouver highways. Many people became trapped in their vehicles.

Severe rains on the coasts of the Canadian Pacific triggered landslides and damaged several highways in British Columbia, Canada, making routes to affected areas impassable.

Before the onset of a devastating storm in southern British Columbia in western Canada, several days of severe rainfall had been reported.

According to Canadian authorities, a month’s worth of rain fell within 24 hours, and rivers overflowed.

Rescuers managed to evacuate 311 people by helicopter on just one highway.

Canadian authorities said schools in affected areas will remain temporarily closed, and residents of some areas were forced to completely evacuate their homes.

Near the Agassiz area, 275 people became trapped in their vehicles and trucks on the highway overnight.

Mike Farnworth, British Columbia’s public safety minister, announced that search and rescue teams were deployed to rescue people who had been stuck in their vehicles for hours. Many of the victims were transported by helicopter to safe locations.

Justin Trudeau, Canada’s prime minister, urged people on Twitter to make efforts to ensure their safety. He said the government is ready to help those affected.

In the city of Abbotsford near Vancouver, authorities issued evacuation orders for over hundreds of homes. Approximately seven thousand residents of Merritt have also been asked to leave their homes.

Local wastewater treatment plants were damaged by floods, and two bridges were destroyed. Water and electricity have been cut off in affected areas.

British Columbia also endured unprecedented heat earlier this summer, which claimed the lives of over 500 people, and following severe wildfires in the region, parts of the province’s forests were completely destroyed.

Source: DW