One year later, Coquitlam neighbours clean debris from fatal mudslide

Coquitlam residents are mobilizing to clean debris from a home lost to a mudslide nearly a year ago. The October 2024 storm, part of a significant atmospheric river, recorded over 250 millimeters of rain in Coquitlam and caused multiple fatalities, including that of 57-year-old teacher Sonya McIntyre. Cleanup efforts are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, as a dumpster fills with remnants of the destroyed property. In addition to McIntyre, Port Alberni RCMP reported another fatality linked to the storm, where a flooded vehicle was found in the Sarita River. The storm broke 12 one-day rainfall records across British Columbia, emphasizing the severity of the weather event.

The Burke Mountain Residents’ Association is leading the cleanup initiative, reflecting community solidarity in the face of tragedy. Organizers of the cleanup declined to comment, focusing instead on the task at hand. This event underscores the long-term impacts of climate change on local communities and the necessity for preparedness for future extreme weather events.