The bodies of three men have been recovered following a devastating mudslide near Lillooet, B.C., as search efforts continue for a fourth missing man, the RCMP confirmed. The disaster struck earlier this week after days of relentless rain triggered multiple landslides across southern British Columbia.
Search crews found the first male victim on Wednesday, with two more bodies recovered on Thursday, B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe announced Saturday. Recovery teams have been working under dangerous, unstable conditions—navigating thick mud, debris, and washed-out terrain.
Efforts to locate the fourth man resumed Friday but were unsuccessful. Authorities say treacherous ground conditions have slowed progress, with operations expected to continue when it’s safe for crews to return.
Earlier in the week, a woman’s body was recovered from the same area, marking the first confirmed fatality linked to the region’s severe flooding and mudslides. The woman’s death, combined with the three men found later, brings the known death toll to four.
Officials attribute the landslides and flooding to extreme rainfall over the weekend, which also caused road closures, power outages, and isolated several communities from emergency services.
Provincial warnings urge residents to avoid affected zones and stay alert for ground movement as rain continues in some regions.
Emergency responders—including RCMP, firefighters, and volunteers—have been working nonstop to support affected families. The province has pledged a full investigation into the causes of the slide as recovery efforts continue amid difficult conditions and widespread grief.