Dozens of people rescued after Lougheed Highway mudslides

Dozens of people have been airlifted to safety and two have been taken to hospital after they were stuck along a B.C. highway for close to a full day due to mudslides — but it appears some remained stranded overnight.

The road conditions stranded motorists along Lougheed Highway (Highway 7) between Agassiz and Hope Sunday evening. Canadian Forces Cormorant helicopters assisted local first responders, transporting groups of 20 to 30 by helicopter to the evacuation centre in Agassiz Monday.

According to BC Emergency Health Services, the two people who were taken to the hospital were taken there in stable condition.

BCEHS paramedics are currently on scene in #Agassiz to care for people who've been evacuated from highway 7 by helicopter. At this time, two people have been transported to hospital in stable condition. #BCStorm pic.twitter.com/BwItNqZuLJ

— BC Emergency Health Services (@BC_EHS) November 16, 2021

Hearing from a woman who was among the people air lifted off #BCHWY7 today. She says she’s just happy to make it out. But it appears not everyone has the same story to tell, with reports that many others remain stranded. Full details on @CityNewsVAN
Erika Schiller pic.twitter.com/3znpFEKF7C

— Hana Mae Nassar (@HanaMaeNassar) November 16, 2021

The last flight was touching down around 4 p.m. Monday according to Canada Task Force One but many people on Highway 7 were still apparently stranded.

“In the area we were tasked with evacuating, everyone is out. There are still vehicles stuck farther east, but that’s out of our operational area, and the debris will be removed by MOT [Ministry of Transportation] in the next couple of hours,” read an emailed statement from information officer Jonathan Gormick with Vancouver’s heavy urban search and rescue team. He added emergency crews will re-enter the slide area “to assess and start searching the actual debris” on Tuesday.

Re: those who are concerned for loved ones trapped by mudslides: "We hear you," says Farnworth, who adds work is underway to help get people to safety. #bcpoli #BCHWY7

— Hana Mae Nassar (@HanaMaeNassar) November 16, 2021

Erika Schiller was among the many rescued. She said Monday night it had been a long day but, “hearing the helicopters, and seeing them flying around, that was definitely an exciting moment.”

“Unfortunately, there are some people that are not going home tonight. So I’m extremely grateful for all the work that the emergency services folks did. And hope the best for everyone still stuck out there,” she told CityNews.

Related Article: Canadian Forces helping rescue those trapped by mudslides on Lougheed Highway

Schiller is now on her way back to her home in North Vancouver and thankful to be safe.

Stunning visuals have been shared online of people making their way through debris along the highway, trees, and branches scattered across the road, all in an effort to get to helicopters waiting to carry them out.

Many still trapped find refuge at pop-up camp

Meanwhile, some people — who were caught in backups and closures, though not between the two slides — took refuge at a campground and conference centre just west of Hope, which was “bursting at the seams” by Monday night according to a Facebook post.

Camp Hope opened its doors early Monday, with buses being sent to transport people stranded on the highway.

Nicole Kohl and her dog Axel ended up at the camp after a harrowing night spent stranded. Heading home to Abbotsford from Salmon Arm, Kohl was detoured several times before ending up trapped by mudslides less than an hour away from where she lives.

“Because I was so close to home, it was very frustrating and just a little unnerving that I couldn’t even turn around,” she told CityNews, adding her pup has been a “trooper.”

She’s happy to have finally arrived in a place where she can shelter from the storm — and the fact that Camp Hope is allowing pets to seek refuge along with their humans.

“They had hot food for me when I got there. Basically, I came right at dinnertime. They had beds, mattresses, blankets. They even have showers we can use — actual running washrooms. They’ve been super great, super helpful,” she said.

“Dogs and people are being able to sleep inside of a building instead of in vehicles tonight, so it’s very nice. I’m so glad I don’t have to spend another night in my vehicle.”

While she saw helicopters flying low, she says she didn’t see any actually land or rescue anyone where she was stuck near the Johnson Slough Rest Area, which is about 17 km outside of Hope.

Kohl says she’s been getting her updates on what is happening from social media, family, and friends.

“I’ve had zero communication with anyone with the search and rescue or anything like that. It’s not been good communication about what’s been going on.”

The province says it has been in contact with the federal government, which has promised whatever assistance is needed.

We will always be there for Canadians in need, and are closely monitoring the situation in Southern BC. We have been in touch with our provincial counterparts, and stand ready to support British Columbians, if needed.

— Bill Blair (@BillBlair) November 15, 2021

With files from Tim James