The City of Baie-Saint-Paul triggered emergency measures on Monday due to ongoing flooding, which has led to the closure of several streets and the evacuation of many residences.
“The current was so strong that it tore trunks, branches. It went up to here, “told the Duty Monday afternoon Jean-Sébastien Proulx, a resident of Baie-Saint-Paul. He and his parents had to be evacuated by firefighters and police on Monday from their residence due to the rapidly rising waters in their area. “The water rose at breakneck speed,” adds Mr. Proulx, who found refuge with relatives spared by the floods.
Many residences have had to be evacuated due to the ongoing floods, impressive images of which are circulating on social networks. A video shows in particular a recreational vehicle being swept away by the current near a campsite in the area before hitting a bridge in the municipality of some 7,300 inhabitants.
In the city center, two daycare centers were evacuated and the children who were there were transported to the Luc-et-Marie-Claude arena, which was converted into a reception centre. “People who don’t have a place to go are encouraged to come to the arena,” the city says on its website.
Several roads and paths affected by these floods have also been closed to traffic, as well as a bridge located on Route 138, indicates the City.
“We are asking people to stay at home. If you need to evacuate your residence, please contact 911,” the City said on social media.
A press conference must take place at the end of the afternoon to take stock of the situation.
More details will follow.
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