The silence that follows a natural disaster is often more haunting than the disaster itself. In the rugged terrain near Lillooet, British Columbia—an area known for steep mountainsides, winding river valleys, and remote communities—rescue crews have been working tirelessly in the aftermath of a deadly mudslide triggered by severe rainfall. Earlier in the week, when reports first emerged that several people had been swept away or trapped by the slide, there was still a flicker of hope that survivors might be found. But as the days unfolded, that hope dimmed.

According to officials, the first breakthrough in the search came on Wednesday, when rescue teams recovered the body of one man from the slide zone. The conditions were extremely treacherous—unstable ground, thick mud, loose rock, and the constant threat of additional slope movement forced teams to proceed cautiously, often on foot and without the use of heavy machinery. On Thursday, two more bodies were found, bringing heartbreaking confirmation that the slide had indeed claimed multiple lives. B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe released a written statement on Saturday acknowledging the recoveries and emphasizing the painstaking nature of the mission.