Qualicum Beach retirees lose everything in recent mudslide

An ‘act of God’ has cost a Qualicum Beach couple everything.

Firefighters had to use chainsaws to free Noel Munkholm, who was trapped inside his home that was partially buried in a mudslide on Dec. 10. The incident happened near Qualicum Beach when an earth embankment behind their home collapsed.

“I heard a smash,” said Noel. “And then I was trapped.”

“The ceiling from the room I was in was sitting right on me. It wasn’t completely on me, but I had little room to move…I started yelling for Judith, and I didn’t hear anything.”

His wife Judith eventually found him, and the two escaped the frightening ordeal with minor injuries. However, they they lost everything except for their vehicles and a few belongings. The couple, which had recently retired, has been left without their identification and personal belongings, and is now living in a temporary residence.

“I don’t see where our future is going,” said Noel. “We had what we needed in life, and now it’s starting over.”

The Munkholms are now waiting to find out how much it will cost to rebuild their home and how much will be covered by the National Disaster Fund. It’s currently unknown if their insurance will cover the damage done to their home, but the couple are not hopeful since a mudslide is considered an ‘act of God’ and is generally not covered.

In the meantime, friends of the couple have set up several ways to help gather products, services or make a cash donation.

For cash donations there are two options: going to any Royal Bank branch and deposit the contribution to “In Trust — personal tragedy account for Noel Stephen and Judith Munkholm — Qualicum Beach” or  people can make an online contribution via a GoFundMe campaign.

To donate services or products contact Elaine Peligren at (888) 488-7099; elainedlcv@shaw.ca; Annie Donald at (250) 752-6278 or Candice Pady at (250)228-2707; candice_pady@hotmail.com.