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The first fall storm of the season is packing a punch on Vancouver Island, where rain and wind caused a small landslide and flash flooding.
Heavy rainfall cut off a route between Port Hardy and the remote community of Holberg and the landslide knocked down trees and power lines onto Holberg Road.
Port Hardy RCMP said at 7:18 p.m. on Thursday, they received an iPhone SOS from a person saying he and another person were trapped after their vehicle became disabled by a flash flood while returning from San Josef Bay.
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A second group in an RV stopped to help, police said but also became trapped due to rising floodwaters and debris.
Port Hardy RCMP were unable to reach the group, so Campbell River Search and Rescue (GSAR) was engaged and coordinated with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) for air support.
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Police said all eight people were successfully rescued and no serious injuries were reported.
“This incident highlights the risks of extreme weather and access limitations in remote North Island areas. Effective coordination and timely activation of the North Island GSAR and military partners ensured a safe outcome,” said S/Sgt. Kim Rutherford, detachment commander for Port Hardy RCMP in a statement.
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As a result, 47 Hydro customers have been without power since 6 p.m. on Thursday.
Crews are working in the area, with power expected to be restored on Friday.
Environment Canada and the B.C. government warned about a series of fall storms that would bring heavy rain and strong winds to parts of the province.
The system eased on Friday afternoon and into the evening.
Police encourage everyone to stay away from the area for the weekend as the weather remains adverse.
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