( CNN ) -- Canadian rescuers facing risks searched off and on Friday for people missing after a landslide in a remote mountainous area of British Columbia , an emergency official said . The search was suspended at times because the disaster site was deemed unstable , emergency officials said . `` It 's an ongoing situation , '' Bill Macpherson of the Regional District of Central Kootenay Emergency Operations Center told CNN . Four people remained unaccounted for Friday for after three homes were destroyed and several others damaged in Johnsons Landing in the Kootenays , Macpherson said . Authorities would not provide details about the four missing people , but the two daughters and ex-husband of a Delray Beach , Florida , chiropractor could be among them . The family has a house in the disaster site , according to the chiropractor 's representative . Valentine Webber , the ex-husband of chiropractor Lynn Migdal , and their daughters Diana and Rachel Webber were preparing to sit down for breakfast Thursday in the family home in Johnsons Landing , and that 's the last time that Migdal heard about her family 's activities , a friend , Bridget Finelli , told CNN . Finelli said Migdal was n't available for interviews , but that Finelli was authorized to speak for her friend . Two search-and-rescue teams and a number of Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers were on the scene , along with geotechnical workers and a landslide expert , Macpherson said . The ground gave way just before noon Thursday in Johnsons Landing . Extreme weather : Get ready to see more of it . A state of local emergency has been declared , Macpherson said . `` It 's a very small community , quite isolated . '' Search-and-rescue crews were having difficulties because of poor cell phone reception , Macpherson said , adding that they were sending him updates via satellite phone . The steep slopes and mountainous terrain are home to a few permanent residents and various summer residents , he said . The area has been drenched by a record amount of rain during the past month , but it was not clear whether that was a factor , Macpherson said . Geotechnical staff were trying to determine the landslide 's cause . India floods leave 95 dead , millions homeless . 18 killed in Uganda mudslides . CNN 's Jackie Castillo and Jake Carpenter contributed to this report .
NEW : Police conduct an off - and - on search , depending on unstable or stable conditions . The two children and ex - husband of a Florida chiropractor could be among the victims . Three homes are destroyed , several damaged in the remote mountain country of British Columbia .