More than 60 people rescued via helicopter after flooding in B.C. provincial park
Posted on: Aug 20, 2025 17:30 IST | Posted by: Cbc
It took rescuers 10 whirlybird trips and most septet hours to lift o'er 60 people from the flooding in Bugaboo Provincial Park on Sunday.
Jordy Shepherd, a team member with Columbia Valley Search and Rescue, said they were first called to the popular park in the East Kootenay region around 8 a.m. Local time on Aug. 17.
She said the Alpine Club of Canada had informed rescuers that the creek levels were very high around the popular Conrad Kain Hut area, and that they should investigate.
What rescuers discovered was the creek near the hut, and under a trail bridge, was running very fast, and the water was dirty — and about 60 hikers and campers in the area would have faced a dangerous trek out if help hadn't arrived.
"That would have been another problem, if all the vehicles were also stuck on the wrong side of a washout."
As soon as rescuers realized that the hikers and campers were stranded, they set up a staging area and flew them out, after which they were taken to the trailhead to retrieve their vehicles.
Shepherd said the stranded guests ranged from 10 years old all the way to about 70 years of age.
"It took about seven hours total from when we were called to when we had everybody out," she said. "And we also did another flight out to a campground that's outside the park, in a further remote area."
The rescuer said that a tarn — a mountain lake in the park, which has historically been popular for its rugged climbs and landscapes — had cut a channel and caused the flooding.
"So the tarn was actually flowing out the opposite side that it normally flows out."
Shephed commended the rescuers for the operation, which she said was staffed entirely by volunteers, and she was glad that campers didn't have to stay up overnight or try to brave the creek on their own.
The park has much of its core area closed indefinitely, while B.C. Parks staff investigate the extent of the flooding damage.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.