Heavy storms cause floods and landslides in western Canada. Several people fell victim to the extreme weather event.
Vancouver – In western Canada, the death toll has risen to four following severe floods and landslides. The bodies of three men who had been missing since Monday (November 15, 2021) were found near Lake Duffey in the province of British Columbia, the police said. The death of a woman had already been reported earlier this week.
A person will continue to be missing after the storms in Canada, it said on Saturday (November 20, 2021). The efforts to reach the person have so far been unsuccessful. “This has been an incredibly difficult year for all of us in British Columbia. My condolences go to the many families and communities who have suffered tragic losses, ”said Chief Medical Officer Lisa Lapointe.
Floods in Canada: Justin Trudeau speaks out
On Sunday last week (November 14th, 2021) and on Monday (November 15th, 2021) heavy rains fell over the province of British Columbia and caused floods and landslides. Numerous roads and bridges became impassable. The operation of the important Trans Mountain oil pipeline had to be temporarily suspended due to flood damage. The damage in the region and the weather made the search for the missing people difficult, the police said.
Justin Trudeau expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. “My condolences go to the people whose relatives were killed in the landslide in British Columbia on Monday – we are here for you,” said the prime minister of the neighboring country on the short message service Twitter. Everything will be done to help those affected by the extreme weather event.
Vancouver cut off during floods in Canada
At times, the city of Vancouver was completely cut off from the rest of the country. Hundreds of people driving into the Canadian city had to be brought to safety by military helicopters.
Because of the flood damage, there are serious supply problems in the region. The authorities therefore rationed the fuel: For the time being, private individuals are only allowed to fill up with 30 liters of fuel at a time. “We urge people to limit their fuel consumption and their car journeys at this time,” said British Columbia’s Secretary of Public Security Mike Farnworth at a press conference.
Canada: Army flies in animal feed due to floods
Farms have problems getting urgently needed supplies. The army sent to the flood areas brought four tons of animal feed to a pig farm by helicopter in Abbotsford on Saturday (November 20, 2021), the authorities announced.
For the coming week, more heavy rains are expected in western Canada. The region was hit by a record heat wave and devastating forest fires this year. “I have no doubt that these events are related to climate change,” said Minister Farnworth.
The flood brings back memories of the flood disaster in Germany. At least 184 people were killed. A British researcher had accused the authorities of the Federal Republic of “monumental” system failure. (tvd / AFP)
Headline image: © Justin Sullivan / AFP
