LOCAL

Ten Toronto Residents Missing Following Severe Flooding Near the Nepal-Tibet Border

Ten Toronto residents are among 12 Canadians unaccounted for after deadly flash floods and mudslides struck the Nepal-Tibet border region.

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Local Trekkers Unaccounted For Near Border

Ten Toronto residents are among a group of 12 Canadians whose whereabouts remain unknown following catastrophic flash floods in Nepal, according to an organization spokesperson. The group was participating in a trek organized by the Isha Foundation when severe weather and mudslides impacted the Nepal-Tibet border region.

A spokesperson for the Isha Foundation confirmed to CTV News Toronto that one of its Kailash Yatra groups was at an immigration facility in Gyirong, Tibet, while returning from Mount Kailash during the deluge. The foundation noted that the facility and its surrounding areas were severely impacted by the flooding.

Widespread Disaster Triggers International Rescue Efforts

The floods have claimed more than 500 lives, destroyed local villages, and initiated a widespread rescue effort as of Friday. Global Affairs Canada previously reported that at least 30 Canadians and permanent residents are missing across the region. On the Chinese side of the border, state media reported five deaths and indicated 558 people were missing, with hundreds of those unaccounted for believed to be international visitors traveling for work, trekking, or pilgrimage.

Local police recently warned that another surge of water could erupt following a reported dam breach on the Tibet side. Meanwhile, rescue operations in Nepal have successfully saved more than 3,700 individuals, though 977 people remain unaccounted for.

Organization Cooperating with Authorities

The Isha Foundation stated that its immediate focus is establishing the safety of all unconfirmed travelers. We are working urgently with relevant authorities and diplomatic representatives to confirm the status and whereabouts of those unaccounted for, the foundation said. Officials for the group added that they remain in direct contact with the families of the missing individuals and will provide verified updates as soon as they become available.

LOCAL

Community Safety Highlighted After Gunshots Hit Fort St. John Home

Fort St. John RCMP are investigating after gunshots struck a home on Saturday. Police confirm no injuries were reported in the residential incident.

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RCMP Respond to Shooting in Residential Area

An investigation is underway in Fort St. John, B.C., after a local home was struck by gunfire on Saturday.

RCMP officers were dispatched to the neighborhood following multiple public reports of gunshots. Upon arrival, police confirmed that a residence had been hit several times.

Police Warn of Danger to Neighbourhood

No injuries were reported as a result of the gunfire. However, law enforcement officials emphasized the severe potential risks associated with the incident.

“Cpl. Brett Urano says it was fortunate no one was injured, but the potential for a tragic outcome can’t be understated,” police stated. Officials added that discharging firearms in a residential area puts innocent individuals and families at serious risk.

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LOCAL

Suspect Arrested in North Kelowna Hit-and-Run After Multi-Unit RCMP Search

Kelowna and Lake Country RCMP arrested a hit-and-run suspect after a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near Ellison Lake on Oct. 24. No injuries reported.

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Hit-and-Run Incident Causes Traffic Delay on Highway 97

A driver attempting to flee on foot following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near Ellison Lake was taken into custody by police on Saturday, Oct. 24. The collision in North Kelowna resulted in traffic slowing to a crawl while emergency responders managed the scene.

Extensive Police Response Leads to Arrest

Witnesses contacted authorities after observing the driver of a black sedan abandon the vehicle and run into a nearby green space. Multiple law enforcement teams were dispatched to track down the fleeing suspect, including the Kelowna RCMP Road Safety Unit, the Kelowna RCMP Gang Enforcement Team, frontline officers, Lake Country RCMP, Police Dog Services, and RCMP Air Services.

According to Kelowna RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Steven Lang, officers located and arrested the suspected driver close to the crash site shortly after the search began.

Police Investigation Ongoing

Authorities reported that no injuries occurred as a result of the collision. “Investigators believe alcohol and speed were factors in the collision,” Lang stated.

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HEALTH

Coquihalla Highway Reopens Near Merritt Following Morning Crash That Injured Four

The Coquihalla Highway north of Merritt has reopened following a Saturday morning vehicle crash that resulted in four people being taken to the hospital.

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Traffic Resumes Following Serious Morning Incident

Four people were hospitalized, including three in critical condition, after a motor vehicle incident occurred north of Merritt on Saturday morning, October 17.

DriveBC reported that the Coquihalla Highway was reopened in both directions from Exit 290 to Exit 315 at approximately 4:00 p.m., following the earlier closure.

Emergency Responders Deploy Air Ambulances

BC Emergency Health Services dispatched multiple resources after receiving a call at approximately 8:35 a.m. The response included two air ambulances, three primary care paramedic ambulances, one advanced care paramedic ambulance, and a paramedic supervisor.

According to BCEHS, crews provided emergency medical care at the scene. Two of the three critically injured patients were flown to the hospital via air ambulance, while a fourth patient was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

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