Premier urges people to follow evacuation orders, expects floods to peak in several days
By Shuyee Lee
Quebec Premier François Legault said it could be a few days before water levels stabilize so he is urging safety first in the wake of mandatory evacuations amid spring flooding in the province.
The premier held a powwow in Montreal this afternoon with Hydro-Quebec officials as well as his ministers of health and the region of Montreal.
Legault said people should evacuate first and think about their personal possessions later for safety's sake.
Two weeks of shelter will be provided to evacuees and in areas such as the Outaouais where hotels are already packed, discussions are underway with families who could host them.
“I’m asking all Quebeckers, when you are asked to leave, it’s for your security. We’ll take care of the assets after.”- Quebec premier @francoislegault urging safety first in the wake of flooding, some mandatory evacuations and landslides. #CJAD800 #inondations2019 #Flood
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) April 27, 2019
Legault said the rivers could peak only early next week so they are keeping a close eye on the Laurentians and the Outaouais, including the critical area of Rigaud.
While municipalities off the western tip of the island have declared a state of emergency such as Vaudreuil-Dorion and Pincourt, Legault said everyone is helping each other out and believes that the situation is under control.
With the Galipeault Bridge out of commission until further notice, Legault said the Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge is accessible and should be ok. Legault added he doesn't believe the integrity of the Galipeault Bridge is in question.
Quebec's public security ministry says so far, in Montreal:
- 75 homes are flooded
- 49 homes made inaccessible by high water levels
- 1 home evacuated
Across Quebec:
- 3085 homes are flooded
- 2783 homes isolated by water
- 2003 evacuees