220 homes evacuated in Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval due to heavy rains

Authorities ordered the evacuation of 220 homes in Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval, near Quebec City, fearing rising waters could lead to flooding.

City manager Marc Proulx points out that 70 millimeters of rain fell in a few hours north of the city and that the water level of a local river is rising rapidly.

He adds that flooding is expected to start within hours and evacuation has been ordered to allow residents to leave safely.

Joshua Ménard-Suarez, spokesperson for the Department of Public Security, said several regions in southern and central Quebec are being monitored for the possibility of flooding and landslides.

The authorities are particularly concerned about the Charlevoix sector as well as Estrie.

Environment Canada predicts between 80 and 120 millimeters of rain will fall in these areas by the end of the day Tuesday.

Mr. Ménard-Suarez adds that people should notify municipal authorities if precipitation causes changes in sloping land, as this is a sign of an impending landslide.

He explains that while water can be observed rising in streams, landslides are sometimes more insidious and can occur a few days later as well.

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