Dozens of citizens evacuated and isolated, several roads blocked, dams destroyed: Saint-Côme and Sainte-Émélie-de-l’Énergie, in Lanaudière, are still struggling with flooding, forcing recourse to the state of emergency.
“Yesterday was a long day,” sighs Marc-André Forget. The resident of Sainte-Émélie-de-l’Énergie has lived near the Black River for two years. He received the evacuation notice from the City on Monday afternoon, like many citizens. But it is better to stay at home to monitor the state of his property, he told La Presse between sips of coffee, his gaze on the six water pumps installed Monday morning.
It’s not the many blocked roads and his waterlogged basement renovation that have Mr. Forget worried and keeping him on his toes. “I’m afraid it will rain more tonight. And there was the landslide right in front of my house,” he said, pointing to the spot in question.
The flow of the Black River has decreased, but the water level remains a concern for Mr. Forget. Several trees threaten to collapse, including a huge conifer. “That tree, if it falls, it lands on my roof,” he said worriedly.
“I would be more anxious if I was away from home wondering if the tree fell. I had planned it, I have provisions for the next two weeks, “he explains.
According to Environment Canada, 15 to 30 millimeters of rain are expected Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. “Showers will be moderate to heavy with a chance of a thunderstorm this afternoon. The quantities are lower than those of the rain event of the last two days. However, this rainfall will create additional stress on already vulnerable waterways. »
The mayor of Saint-Côme, Martin Bordeleau, declared a state of emergency on Monday evening due to flooding. Same story in Sainte-Émélie-de-l’Énergie, where a state of emergency has also been declared due to rising waters. Part of Route 131 is closed. A dam broke, isolating around 300 homes in the area. So far there have been reports of a landslide and about 20 roads being blocked.
“Due to the heavy rains of the past few days, several roads are damaged and in danger of giving way. We ask for your greatest caution during your compulsory trips, ”underlines the municipality of Saint-Côme.
The City suggests that residents avoid Route 347 at Rue de l’Auberge and Côte Jaune, Rang 9, Terrasse Bellevue, Chemin Laporte, Rue du Lac-Émile and Rue du Lac -Guenard. “Many of these roads are already cut off. The victims can take refuge at the Center de Loisirs Marcel Thériault, the municipality said in a press release.
In total, 350 people are reported to have been evacuated due to the floods and approximately 1,500 isolated residences across Quebec.
In Ottawa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assured Tuesday that the federal government will be there to help Quebec. “Obviously we’re going to be there to help if there’s a request. Certainly, it is very serious flooding that we are seeing this year,” he said ahead of the weekly cabinet meeting. “By the way, unfortunately, we’re helping with the search for the two first responders we’re hearing who may have been swept away,” he added.