Last weekend’s torrential rainstorm in Nova Scotia has left a devastating toll, as three victims have been confirmed by CTV News. Among them are six-year-old Natalie Hazel Harnish, six-year-old Colton Sisco, and 52-year-old Nicholas Anthony Holland.
Natalie Hazel Harnish, a resident of Brooklyn, N.S., is remembered fondly in her obituary as a “shining light” full of boundless energy. She had a passion for cheerleading and loved playing with her brother and cousins, often displaying her acrobatic skills by performing cartwheels around the house.
Colton Sisco hailed from Martock N.S. and was described by his mother as a loving, thoughtful, and caring child. He had an innate ability to make friends wherever he went and held a deep affection for cars. Spending time with his parents and his big brother was something he cherished, according to his mother, Tera Sisco.
Nicholas Anthony Holland, who is survived by a partner and two children, was known for his musical talents. He was an integral member of a local heavy metal rock band named Hogtooth. Holland’s family expressed their gratitude in his obituary to all the search and rescue teams, private citizens, and Hogtooth band members who tirelessly worked to locate him. Their efforts went above and beyond, and the family will forever be deeply grateful.
Tragically, four individuals, including Holland, Harnish, Sisco, and an unidentified youth under the age of 18, were reported missing on Saturday after the vehicles they were traveling in were swept off the road and submerged by floodwaters during evacuation.
This week, the bodies of the two children and the 52-year-old were discovered, adding to the heartbreak of the Nova Scotia community. Search efforts are ongoing for the missing youth.
Numerous rescue teams, including West Hants, East Hants, Digby, Annapolis, and the Valley teams, are working tirelessly in conjunction with multiple local fire departments, the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, and RCMP dog and air services to find the missing youth.
The region was hit by record-breaking storms that began on July 21, bringing a deluge of 250 millimeters of rain to parts of Nova Scotia. The flash flooding wreaked havoc on roads, bridges, and homes, causing widespread damage and heartache throughout the area. The loss of young lives and a talented musician has left the community in mourning, with their memories forever etched in the hearts of their loved ones.