Canada – Flooding in Quebec and Ontario Prompts Evacuations

Three municipalities in Quebec, Canada, declared a state of emergency last week after flooding from the overflowing Gatineau and Ottawa rivers. In Ontario, record heavy rain caused flash floods and mudslides in the Hamilton area.

Quebec

The spring thaw coupled with heavy rains from Wednesday 19 April increased river levels in parts of Quebec. By Thursday Rigeau municipality had declared a state of emergency. Over 440 families in Rigeau were advised to leave their homes as a result of the flood threat, although it is thought that over 100 families chose to remain.

Visiting affected areas of Rigeau, Public Security Minister Martin Coiteux said it’s the worst flooding in the region since 1998.

The municipalities of Pontiac and Saint-André-Avellin were also affected by flooding and later declared a state of emergency.

Areas around Gatineau were also flooded after both the Ottawa River and the Gatineau River overflowed. More than 30 families voluntarily evacuated. Gatineau however did not declare a state of emergency

The provincial government has promised to provide compensation to flood victims.

Social Media

This is how some are getting around in Rigaud today. Residents say they've never seen water levels so high. pic.twitter.com/tPrbgLHFAK

— Salimah Shivji (@salimah_shivji) April 21, 2017

The highest part of the Ottawa River we have come across on Blvd Hurtubise in Gatineau. pic.twitter.com/Qj43L7j2vZ

— Andrew Foote (@amkfoote) April 21, 2017

Ontario

Heavy rain in the Hamilton area caused flash floods and mudslides on Thursday 20 April. The Dundas area of the city suffered some of the worst of the damage.

As much as 72.4 mm of rain fell at Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) in Hamilton in 12 hours on 20 April, which is more than the city would normally see for the whole of an average April.