Canada: Authorities issue evacuation orders due to potential dike breach in the Laurentides Region of Quebec as of early Dec. 4

Evacuation orders are in effect for residents of Chute-Saint-Philippe and Lac-des-Ecorces in the Laurentides Region of Quebec due to a potential dike breach as of early Dec. 4. Authorities issued the order late Dec. 3 due to concerns over the risk of a rupture at the Morier dike on the edge of the Kaimika Reservoir. A breach could trigger flooding along the Kaimika and Lievre rivers, prompting officials to carry out preventative evacuations in affected areas. Residents have been evacuated to the Mont-Laurier sports center and have been advised to plan to not have access to their residences for at least five days.

Sites located downstream from the dam may be subject to flash flooding in the event of a breach at the dike. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites. Transport, electricity, and telecommunications disruptions are also possible in areas impacted by flooding.