Quebec officials preach patience as water levels drop in parts of province
Province says it's planning for next phase of relief efforts cleanup, rebuilding and compensation
Water levels are gradually starting to go down in parts of western Quebec, but officials are warning that rain this weekend may worsen conditionsin theprovince's central Mauricie region.
The latest numbers released on Tuesday evening by Urgence Qubec show 3,882 homes are flooded a jump of more than 1,000 from the day before. Some 2,721 people have been forced from their homes.
Around the province, 126 landslides have also been reported as of Wednesday.
Both Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard and Public Security Minister Martin Coiteuxhave expressed hope that, weather permitting, water levels will be back to normal by month's end.
In an update Wednesday, Coiteuxwarned that the return home will "not betomorrow," but compensation is in placeto help Quebecerswith the damage.
Public meetings are being organized in municipalities across the province to explain what compensation is available and how to make a claim.
In the National Assembly Wednesday, Premier Philippe Couillard said the government is reviewing its numbers to bring compensation more in line with the actual costs involved in repairing and rebuilding homes.
'Everyone is mobilized'
In the meantime, with more rain in the forecast, Coiteux said rescue and support operations are continuing "and everyone is mobilized."
Among the government ministries taking part in the operation, Coiteux said Quebec's ministry of health and social services is taking on an increasinglyimportant role.
"Given the large number of people affected by the floods, psycho-social assistance is becoming more and more important," he said.
"That help ispresent in each municipality and citizens shouldn't hesitate to seek their help."
Quebec residents with questions about psycho-social services can call 811and speak with a health professional.
Flood victimswho want to make a claim for compensationcan call the province at 1-888-643-2433.
As of Thursday, Hydro-Qubec will have a dedicated flood assistance phone lineat 1-888-385-7252 (option 1).
More rain on its way
Between 20 millimetres and 40 millimetres of rain is expected this weekend, and more rain is expected over the next two weeks, said Environment Minister David Heurtel.
With water levels in the Ottawa River and Lake of Two Mountains beginning to drop,Heurtel said the new rains may slow thedecrease but aren't likely toproduce newflooding in western Quebec.
However, the coming rain is a concern in the province's Mauricie region, where it is expected to raisethe water levelin an already swollen Lac Saint-Pierre.
The lake,a widening of the St. Lawrence River west of Trois-Rivires, is already dealing with high tides that have flooded parts of the shoreline.A state of emergency wasdeclared Wednesday in the municipality ofYamachiche on the north shore of Lac Saint-Pierre.
Quebec's north received the equivalent of a "winter and a half's worth of snow," Heurtel noted, and the impact of that is still being felt in the Rivire Saint-Maurice and adding to the woes of residents aroundLac Saint-Pierre.
"We have toexpect another difficult weekend in the Mauricieand especially Lac Saint-Pierre," Heurtel said.
He said civilian and military teamsare already mobilizing in the area to prepare defences.
On Wednesday, Canada's Department of National Defencecommitted an additional 470 troops to Quebec, bringing the total to 2,300.
The Royal Canadian Navyfrigate HMCS Montreal has also been deployed toMontreal to assist in flood relief efforts.
The ship is expected to reach the Port of Montreal Thursday.
Montreal remaining 'vigilant' as waters recede
In an updateWednesday morning, Montreal fire department spokespersonBruno Lachance said the expected rains "aren't alarming" but they arenot taking any chances.
"We're being vigilant and keeping our teams in place," he said.
Water levels have dropped by five to seven centimetres from their peak around the city, Lachance reported, and that trend is expected to continue.
Still, firefighters, army and police worked through the night to strengthena1.2-kilometre dike along LalandeBoulevard in the city's Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough.
"It's a colossal job and it's finished now," Lachance said.
In the Montreal-area, 397 homesare still floodedand 243 have been evacuated.
A Red Cross appeal for donations to assist victims of the flooding in Quebec had raised $1.7 million by Wednesday.
Anyone wanting to make a donation can do so by calling1-800-418-1111or by visiting the Red Cross website.
Struggle to save historic clubhouse
In Hudson, a town along the Lake of Two Mountainsabout 20 kilometres west of the island of Montreal, residents are trying to save a cornerstone of the community.
Despite the best efforts of volunteers, firefighters and club members, water has infiltrated the Hudson Yacht Club clubhouse, a 105-year-oldbuilding.
And even now that the water is receding, they're still trying to fortify the clubhouse but wind, in the forecast for this weekend, may create waves that could cause further damage.
_(720p).jpg)
 OFFICIAL HD MUSIC VIDEO.jpg)
.jpg)
