Canadian air force aiding with evacuations in flood-stricken British Columbia

The government of Canada has deployed its air force to the province of British Columbia to help with evacuations after extreme weather left towns flooded, The Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

The government is sending the air force to support supply lines following floods, mudslides and other issues caused by extremely heavy rainfall in the region.

“Torrential rains have led to terrible flooding that has disrupted the lives and taken lives of people across B.C. I want people to know that the federal government has been engaging with the local authorities,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said while on a previously scheduled trip to Washington, D.C.

“We’re sending resources like the Canadian Armed Forces to support people but also we’ll be there for the cleanup and the rebuilding after impacts of these extreme weather events,” Trudeau added.

Update for British Columbians: We’re sending help your way. We’ve approved the province’s request for assistance, and we’ll have more @CanadianForces members on the ground as soon as possible – to keep you safe, support supply chain routes, and provide other necessary assistance. https://t.co/75g8HW7eIL

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 17, 2021

Approximately 300 people have been evacuated by military helicopters in British Columbia after being trapped by a mudslide on Monday, the AP said.

The Guardian reported that travel restrictions will be imposed in the province and that officials are confident that supply chains impacted by the extreme weather will be restored soon.

At least one person has been killed and several more are feared dead, according to The Guardian. 

Around 1,000 properties were issued evacuation orders on Tuesday, affecting multiple large dairy farms and other agricultural and livestock operations, the AP reported.