Close X
Thursday, January 2, 2025
ADVT 
National

Second mudslide victim's body found as more high winds strike B.C. coast

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 23 Dec, 2024 11:44 AM
  • Second mudslide victim's body found as more high winds strike B.C. coast

High winds are again hitting the coast of British Columbia, as gusts surpassing 100 km/h have been reported at several outlying islands.

The continuing stormy weather comes as police say emergency crews have recovered the body of a second victim killed in a mudslide in the Sea to Sky region during another windstorm last weekend.

Environment Canada says it has issued a wind warning for B.C.'s north and central coast including Haida Gwaii, northern and eastern Vancouver Island as well as parts of the Sunshine Coast, including Powell River.

The agency says winds in some areas may reach 120 km/h, presenting potentially hazardous driving conditions.

In response to the warnings, BC Ferries say a number of sailings in Haida Gwaii and the areas near Campbell River and Hornby Island were cancelled, although most crossings have resumed as conditions improve.

A weather advisory for Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands also warned of gusty winds in the area that may lead to power outages and disrupt travel plans.

Environment Canada data shows gusts reaching 140 km/h and beyond at Sartine and Solander islands off the northern coast of Vancouver Island today, while locations such as Sandspit and Masset in Haida Gwaii are reporting gusts of 90 km/h or above.

The frontal system that brought high winds to coastal B.C. this weekend also caused temperatures to spike in a number of communities, with Bella Bella, Prince Rupert, Qualicum Beach and West Vancouver all breaking decades-old high-temperature records on Saturday.

In response, Avalanche Canada has elevated the risk level to "considerable" for a number of alpine areas along B.C.'s coast, including most of Vancouver Island, much of the mountainous regions north of Metro Vancouver, as well as the area north of Kitimat to the provincial border with the Alaskan Panhandle.

The latest weather warnings come a day after winds exceeding 120 km/h pummeled B.C.'s central coast Saturday, while places such as Bella Bella and the Howe Sound north of Metro Vancouver reported gusts exceeding 90 km/h.

Earlier in the week, winds approaching 140 km/h were reported on Vancouver Island, while last weekend's severe windstorm led to the mudslide that closed a large section of the Sea to Sky Highway linking Vancouver and Whistler.

A home in the area was also struck by the mudslide, and police recovered the body of one of two occupants on Dec. 15 -- the day after the mudslide.

On Saturday night, Squamish RCMP confirmed that crews recovered the second occupant's body, but did not release the names of the victims.

MORE National ARTICLES

3 climbers from US and Canada believed to have died in a fall on New Zealand mountain

3 climbers from US and Canada believed to have died in a fall on New Zealand mountain
Officials in New Zealand says a Canadian is one of three mountain climbers who are believed to have died in a fall on Aoraki, the country's tallest peak. A state from Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker says a break in the weather Thursday allowed crews to search the mountain.

3 climbers from US and Canada believed to have died in a fall on New Zealand mountain

Manitoba premier says conservation officers to help patrol Canada-U.S. border

Manitoba premier says conservation officers to help patrol Canada-U.S. border
The Manitoba government is planning to have conservation officers help patrol efforts along the Canada-United States border. Premier Wab Kinew says the officers would serve as extra eyes and ears for police and other security agencies and could help in humanitarian efforts to rescue people.

Manitoba premier says conservation officers to help patrol Canada-U.S. border

End Game: A look back at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour as it arrives in Vancouver

End Game: A look back at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour as it arrives in Vancouver
After a year of anticipation, Taylor Swift's Eras Tour lands in Vancouver on Friday, with the first of three shows at BC Place. Sunday's performance will be the last show of the entire tour. Here are some facts about Swift's record-breaking tour.

End Game: A look back at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour as it arrives in Vancouver

From Taylor Swift tattoos to ice cream, Vancouver businesses have you covered

From Taylor Swift tattoos to ice cream, Vancouver businesses have you covered
If you're looking for a permanent reminder of Taylor Swift's Era's Tour concerts in Vancouver, long after the friendship bracelets have been traded, tattoo artist Jen Van Houten literally has you covered. Customers will have to choose from pre-made designs to maintain a tight schedule allowing just 20-30 minutes for each tattoo.

From Taylor Swift tattoos to ice cream, Vancouver businesses have you covered

Canada's Arctic policy draws on international collaboration to face emerging threats

Canada's Arctic policy draws on international collaboration to face emerging threats
The policy, released by Global Affairs Canada on Friday in Ottawa, says the North American Arctic is "no longer free from tension" amid increased geopolitical instability following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has "shaken the foundations of international co-operation in the Arctic."

Canada's Arctic policy draws on international collaboration to face emerging threats

Canada's top court dismisses appeal in Ontario drug trafficking case

Canada's top court dismisses appeal in Ontario drug trafficking case
Canada's highest court has dismissed the appeal of a Guelph, Ont., man convicted of drug trafficking after police impersonated a drug dealer in order to arrest him. Dwayne Alexander Campbell argued police violated his Charter right to be free from unreasonable search or seizure in his 2017 arrest.

Canada's top court dismisses appeal in Ontario drug trafficking case