Within 24 hours of rain as often as a month: Canada’s west coast hit with unprecedentedly severe weather

Two highways near Vancouver were closed after severe flooding, including the highway between the capital and the rest of the country. There are also no more trains in the area due to high water levels and water damage. The Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest, is currently inaccessible for rail freight traffic.

Near Lilluitt, about 250 kilometers from Vancouver, a woman was killed when a mudslide buried part of a highway. Rescue workers said several cars and at least their passengers were still missing.

Rob Fleming, the local traffic secretary, spoke about the “worst storm of the century” at a press conference. Fuel pipelines have been temporarily closed as a precaution.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he is closely following developments in British Columbia. “We will be there to help in any way we can,” Trudeau said.

The US state of Washington, which borders British Columbia, is also struggling with flooding. More than 50,000 people are without electricity.