The Canadian Armed Forces has been called in to help with recovery efforts in flood-stricken B.C., with the provincial government declaring a state of emergency.
The military will provide both air and land support for critical provincial supply chains and in evacuation and rescue efforts.
Premier John Horgan says travel restrictions will be introduced to ensure essential goods and medical and emergency services can reach communities.
I can't say enough about how British Columbians have reacted with strength and kindness.
— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) November 18, 2021
People have provided food to others in distress, opened their doors to those who evacuated, and much more.
When crisis hits, we help those in need and look out for each other. pic.twitter.com/56lauw2tsM
Defence Minister Anita Anand says more troops will be sent to help the hardest-hit communities.
📍 British Columbia: When Canadians need help, our @CanadianForces will be there. In response to a request for assistance from the province of British Columbia, CAF personnel and resources will help residents as they experience floods, landslides and extreme weather. https://t.co/F7EcNn2dHe
— Anita Anand (@AnitaOakville) November 17, 2021
Crews will continue to search through debris left by landslides along Highway 99 near Lillooet and Highway 7 near Agassiz to determine if any vehicles were caught underneath.
No bodies were recovered Wednesday, but at least two people are still reported missing.
B.C. Agriculture Minister Lana Popham says thousands of farm animals died when parts of the Fraser Valley flooded, and efforts are underway to develop routes to allow veterinarians to access farms and treat what livestock may have survived.