Authorities have recovered the bodies of three men following a devastating mudslide near Lillooet, British Columbia, while another individual remains unaccounted for, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). After several days of searching under dangerous conditions, officials have concluded active search operations at the site.
The mudslide struck a section of Highway 99, commonly known as Duffey Lake Road, south of Lillooet, following a period of intense rainfall and flooding that affected parts of southern British Columbia. The severe weather caused significant disruption, road closures, and multiple emergency responses across the region.
According to a statement from British Columbia Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe, search teams recovered one man's body on Wednesday and found two additional men on Thursday.
Despite continued efforts, responders were unable to locate another man reported missing in the area. Earlier in the week, authorities had also recovered the body of a woman, marking the first fatality directly associated with the flooding and landslides in this weather event.
The recoveries brought renewed attention to the dangers faced by residents and travelers during periods of extreme rainfall, particularly in areas where steep terrain can become unstable.
Search-and-rescue teams worked across the debris field for several days, facing unstable ground, deep deposits of mud and debris, and challenging weather conditions.
RCMP Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet said the hazardous environment made continued operations increasingly difficult and dangerous for emergency personnel.
Lapointe confirmed that available search options had been exhausted and that active operations had ended. Authorities were continuing discussions about possible next steps, taking into account the instability of the terrain and the risks at the site.
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The incident has brought further grief to communities across British Columbia, where severe weather has contributed to widespread disruption and loss.
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