Heavy rain causes flooding in several northeastern communities

Several roads in the region remain closed due to flooding caused by heavy rain late last week.

A number of municipalities have also declared a state of emergency due to to damaged infrastructure. As of early Monday morning, Ontario's 511 listed many road closures due to flooding.

On Friday, Stacy Wight's phone started to ring. The first call came in to the mayor of Kirkland Lake from a member of the public around lunchtime.

"By the time I reached the office, some of our own staff members were underwater in different areas of our community," she said.

A state of emergency was declared a short time later.

On Friday night, firefighters in Kirkland Lake visited 130 homes and in eight cases, asked the residents to leave. The water level was so high in their basements that firefighters cut off the electricity supply. Those who had to leave their homes wereoffered accommodations at a local hotel.

The town said the rain caused the overflow of Murdoch Creek and Rand Creek and caused issues with the town's sanitary sewer system.

'Just unbelievable'

The Town of Kirkland Lakedid post that the situation "significantly improved" over the weekend with water levels starting to go down.

"So definitely we've had roads that have partially washed away," Wight said.

"I've seen pictures of homes being underwater up to counter height in their basements. So definitely there's a lot of devastation to the homes that have lost furniture and belongings."

Wight said she's been thrilled to see Kirkland Lakers stepping in to help their neighbours.

"I've seen so many posts from not only individuals, but businesses offering shelter, offering showers. The local gym offered showers," she said.

"There's restaurants that opened that offered free meals. It's just unbelievable. The local mine brought in sand for sandbagging. It's just incredible how people come together."

A state of emergency was also declared in the Municipality of Charlton and Dack, as well as the Township of Chamberlain and Evanturel Township.

"We are down to a small number of residents unable to access their property and we are working with those affected to ensure their safety," Rick Ellsmere, emergency information officer withCharlton and Dack and Chamberlain Township said.

"We continue to encourage residents to monitor their homes and to assist neighbours if required."

In a statement, the Township of Evanturel said the majority of the municipality has no issues, however damaged infrastructure on Harman's Road is impacting some residents.