Two dead, one missing in storm-related mudslide and road washout in B.C.

A body has been recovered after a home was swept away by a mudslide in Coquitlam during Saturday’s intense rainstorm, while a recovery effort is underway for two victims after their vehicles got swept off Bamfield Road outside Port Alberni.

Coquitlam first responders began searching for a victim after responding to the Quarry Road slide between Calgary Drive and MacIntyre Road at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

A large amount of mud and debris swept across Quarry Road and forced it to be closed. The road remained closed on Monday.

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An urban search and rescue team from Canada Task Force 1 and Coquitlam Fire and Rescue found the body of the resident, a 57-year-old woman, on Sunday evening.

“This is a deeply tragic outcome and our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends,” said Coquitlam RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Alexa Hodgins.

The woman’s family has been notified and police are not releasing further information.

“Due to the mudslide, Quarry Road is unpassable, which has affected several residents on the other side of the slide,” said Hodgins. “First responders are in contact with the residents and confirmed that they are able to shelter in place.”

On Vancouver Island, Port Alberni RCMP were called after two vehicles were swept off flooded Bamfield Road into the Sarita River.

Police got two separate missing persons reports early Saturday evening about overdue travellers in the area.

One of the drivers’ dogs had been found around 1 p.m. near the river and good Samaritans got in touch with the pet’s family.

Police “were able to ping the cellphones belonging to the missing, which returned that one of the phones last connected with a cell tower within a three-kilometre radius of the 58 km mark on Bamfield Road,” said Port Alberni RCMP Const. Beth O’Connor in a statement Monday.

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“A helicopter was deployed to the area to conduct an aerial search and Alberni Valley Search and Rescue were requested to assist in the search.”

Just before 9 p.m., family of one of the missing called police after spotting their loved one’s truck fully submerged in the Sarita River. Because of fast-flowing water and darkness, emergency responders were unable to confirm whether there was anyone inside.

The driver was later found dead a short distance away.

A second vehicle was spotted in the river, and search crews are monitoring the water on Monday to conduct a swift-water recovery; the second missing person is thought to be inside.

Police are urging people to stay away from the Sarita River because of fast-flowing waters. O’Connor said that part of Bamfield Road is susceptible to flooding, especially during high tides.

“Police want to remind everyone that attempting to cross flooded roadways can be extremely dangerous,” said O’Connor.

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