Drummondville is experiencing its worst flooding crisis in decades, resulting in the evacuation of hundreds of residents and extensive damage to properties. Local councilor Daniel Pelletier reported significant neighborhood impacts, with rapid water rise affecting roads and homes. While some areas are seeing improvements, the river’s flow remains dangerously high. Historical flooding events have exacerbated the situation, prompting ongoing community support as residents assess damages and begin recovery efforts.
Severe Flooding Strikes Drummondville
Drummondville is currently grappling with its most severe flooding crisis in decades, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of residents, some of whom were rescued by boat. The town’s mayor has confirmed the alarming situation, highlighting the extensive cleanup efforts that lie ahead.
Community Resilience Amidst Crisis
Daniel Pelletier, a local municipal councilor who resides near the Saint-François River, expressed his fatigue and concern over the extensive work required for recovery. He was awakened by urgent fire sirens on Monday morning as the waterway overflowed, leading to the rescue of around forty individuals trapped by rising waters.
In response to the flooding, the City of Drummondville ordered the evacuation of 300 buildings, particularly in the vulnerable Allard Boulevard area. Residents have reported rapid water rise and high flow levels affecting roads in nearby locales such as Saint-François-du-Lac and Pierreville.
Quebec has been facing spring flooding across several regions, including Beauce and Centre-du-Québec, since the onset of the weekend. Unprecedented warm temperatures hastily melted significant snow accumulation from February, exacerbating the flooding conditions.
Impact on Homes and Vehicles
While Pelletier’s home remained unscathed, the adjacent property he owns suffered significant damage, with four feet of water flooding the basement. He shared, “We pumped out the water and moved belongings to safety. Tomorrow, I’ll use my tractor to dispose of the damaged items in city-provided containers.” Tragically, his two vehicles were also submerged and deemed total losses.
Aerial photographs of the area reveal numerous homes engulfed by water, surrounded by large blocks of ice from the river. “The mood is low; people feel defeated. We must remain hopeful and support one another,” Pelletier remarked.
Historical Flooding Events
Mayor Stéphanie Lacoste noted that this flooding event is the worst the city has faced since at least 2003, with a similar crisis occurring in 1989. Fortunately, on Monday evening, the city announced the lifting of evacuation orders for flood-prone areas, although residents remain on alert.
“The hydrological situation is improving with decreasing water levels in Drummondville and upstream,” said the municipality. “Affected citizens can now return home safely, and the disaster relief center has been closed.” As of 5 PM, the river’s flow was still alarmingly high at 1,500 cubic meters per second, compared to the average of 250 cubic meters per second.
In Beauceville, the flooding has also led to multiple evacuations, causing distress among residents and business owners, many of whom seek relocation after experiencing similar flooding six years ago. Additionally, in the Nicolet region, nearly 13,000 residents were left without drinking water due to flooding at the filtration center.