Search and rescue teams recovered three bodies from a mudslide near Lillooet, British Columbia, as authorities continue efforts to locate a fourth missing person following severe flooding and landslides this week.
The mudslide occurred on November 15 along Highway 99, also known as Duffey Lake Road, in the southern region of the province. Extreme rainfall over the weekend triggered the geological event that has claimed at least one confirmed life and left multiple people unaccounted for.
Search Operations Conclude
Rescue teams recovered the body of a woman from the site early in the week, marking the first confirmed fatality from the disaster. Three additional bodies were retrieved from the debris during ongoing search efforts through Friday.
One individual remains missing as of Friday, with search operations now concluding after all available avenues were exhausted, according to RCMP. The challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions hampered recovery efforts throughout the week.
The Response
Authorities are working to identify the three recovered individuals and notify their families. “I also extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who are now grieving the sudden and unexpected death of their loved one, and to the family of the missing person we have so far been unable to locate,” a provincial official stated.
The BC Coroners Service said it will continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths and work to provide recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
What’s Next
Highway 99 remains closed to traffic with no timeline announced for reopening. The region has faced multiple weather-related disasters in recent months, affecting numerous communities across southern British Columbia.
This story has been updated. CNN’s British Columbia Desk contributed to this report.
