BC Floods: Horses Airlifted to Safety in One-of-a-Kind Rescue Operation – BC | The Canadian News

A remarkable rescue has emerged from last week’s flooding in British Columbia with horses and helicopters.

It happened near Spences Bridge.

When the waters rose, Kim Cardinal’s home located along Highway 8 was washed away by floodwater and access to the highway was cut off.

“All of our driveway, all of our property went ‘oof’ – disappeared,” Cardinal said. “And that was in a matter of seven minutes.”

Cardinal and her husband Lorne managed to drag some of their animals and their truck onto a section of what used to be a highway. They were joined by an off-duty police officer who was stranded and passing.

“Throughout that walk, I was walking on parts of the road that had completely disappeared,” said Surrey RCMP Cpl. Brett Schmidt said.

“I was climbing parts of the hill to where the road had completely disappeared. There were large boulders and stones coming down the hill. There were downed power lines. I saw people on the side of the road trying to rescue things from their house. “

A fire kept them warm at night.

“My husband put his arm around me and said, ‘If we die, we’ll be together, Kim. At least we’ll be together, ‘”Cardinal recalled through tears.

The fire also acted as an emergency signal. In the morning, a helicopter spotted them.

More help was on the way.

On Thursday, in what is believed to be a BC first, another helicopter flew in with a specialized sling to carry the horses to safety.

“These animals would not have lasted and would have died a slow and painful death if they had to sit there for the winter, ”said Kelly Kennedy of Horse Council BC. “So I decided it had to be done and that we could address it.”

His horse, Winter, and two ponies are now being cared for in Kamloops, but the Cardinals lost many other animals in the flood.

Her family is shocked but grateful to be alive.

“You know, I’m here,” he said. “I’m so [thankful] That I am here “.