Over 18,000 Isolated by Torrential Rain Striking Canada... Panic Buying Frenzy Ensues

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Kwang-ho] Torrential rains that struck western Canada on the 14th and 15th (local time) have caused floods and landslides, resulting in numerous casualties and property damage.

According to Reuters and other sources on the 19th, British Columbia in western Canada, which declared a state of emergency on the 17th, has seen roads destroyed by landslides and mountain villages isolated, leaving about 18,000 people stranded.

Although some of the closed highways have been partially restored and traffic has gradually resumed, rescue teams are still having difficulty accessing mountainous areas east and northeast of Vancouver, which have been severely affected.

In the southwestern region of British Columbia, major highways have been washed away, leaving travelers stranded for several days. About 300 travelers have been isolated in Camp Hope since the 15th and are receiving food supplies by helicopter, while 400 residents remain isolated in the mountain village of Tulameen northeast of Vancouver, according to the British daily newspaper The Guardian.

Livestock losses have also continued. Thousands have already died, and even more livestock remain submerged in water. Fortunately, 9,000 cattle have been evacuated and accommodated at 60 other farms.

The hardest-hit area is the Fraser Valley east of Vancouver, where evacuation orders have been issued for 63 dairy farms.

As logistics difficulties arise due to the loss of railways and roads, panic buying has also broken out.

Photos of shoppers rushing to buy goods at supermarkets are circulating online. Reuters reported that the empty shelves and refrigerators in supermarkets are reminiscent of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.