Canada: Widespread flooding in the east /update 2

Event

The Canadian military is currently mobilized to respond to “historic” flooding affecting the provinces of Québec, Ontario, and New Brunswick. Heavy rains and melting snow have caused several rivers to overflow between the Quebecois cities of Gatineau and Montréal (including the Saint Lawrence) as well as waterways in the vicinity of Lake Ontario. At least two people have been reported missing, presumably drowned. In total, some 2500 homes in Québec and 300 more in Ontario have been flooded, and 1500 people forced to evacuate. The majority of evacuations have taken place in the Ottawa region, located in Ontario near the Quebec border. Roads in various areas remain flooded as of Tuesday, May 9, e.g. in the Montréal suburb of Pierrefonds.

Water levels continue to rise but experts believe conditions will not worsen significantly. Officials expect the waters to crest in the coming days with conditions beginning to improve on Wednesday, May 10. The situation will likely not completely normalize for another few weeks.

Associated transportation and business disruptions are to be anticipated in the coming days.

Context

Heavy rainfall throughout the past month – double the historical average experienced during April – has resulted in significant flooding, the worst in 50 years according to some observers. Rivers and streams had already been at high capacity due to heavy snowfall experienced in March.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to keep abreast of the situation, to avoid areas directly hit by flooding, and to adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous – 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult – and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs disposed of.