An atmospheric river, which led to severe flooding in one part of the Squamish Valley, has led to several fatalities, according to various sources.
Squamish RCMP responded to a boating incident at around 1:52 p.m. yesterday. RCMP shared that two people have been confirmed deceased, and one person remains missing.
“Due to elevated water levels and challenging weather conditions, search, rescue and recovery efforts on Nov. 12 were extremely difficult and unsafe for emergency responders. As a result, search, rescue and recovery operations are continuing today,” RCMP said.
BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) told Daily Hive that it received a call at 2:48 p.m. on Nov. 12 about the boating incident on the 15900 block of Squamish Valley Road.
“Two ambulances with primary care paramedics, an ambulance with advanced care paramedics, and an air ambulance with critical care paramedics responded. No patients required transportation to hospital,” BCEHS said.
North Shore Rescue also shared some information on Facebook, sharing that it responded to the situation after a mutual aid request from Squamish SAR.
“NSR is back up in Squamish today with swiftwater and hoist crews assisting Squamish SAR and RCMP,” it added.
A release from West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA-elect Jeremy Valeriote addresses the fatalities, after Squamish RCMP shared some information about them.
“I’m devastated to hear of the deaths in Squamish, and my thoughts are with their families and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Valeriote said in a statement.
“For the past week, communities in the Sea to Sky have been grappling with the impacts of severe flooding, responding to warnings, evacuations, and significant disruption. It has been an incredibly difficult and exhausting time for residents, businesses, and first responders,” he added.
The District of Squamish has been providing updates on its Facebook page about flood conditions, telling its followers that the atmospheric river is weakening.
Squamish RCMP is asking the public to stay off the water due to dangerous flow rates and will not be releasing any more information at this time.