'Totally Gone': Part of Coquihalla Highway Washed Away by Flooding

Heavy rain brought on by an atmospheric river caused mudslides and flooding along a number of highways in southern British Columbia on Monday, November 15, according to authorities.

Footage shared by British Columbia Transportation shows parts of the Coquihalla Highway southbound between Larson Hill, south of Merritt, and Juliet washed away by flooding. In the footage, an employee can be heard saying the lanes are “totally gone”.

An evacuation order was issued for the entire city of Merritt on Monday as flooding and mudslides impacted the province’s southern region. Access into Merritt was prohibited as of 4 pm. Credit: British Columbia Transportation via Storyful