(Montreal) It’s time to recognize the extent of the damage and clean up in the Atlantic provinces after the passage of the post-tropical storm Fiona.
Posted at 8:21 a.m.
Updated at 5:06 p.m.
The damage was significant in several places, notably in Port-aux-Basques, on the island of Newfoundland. Several buildings were destroyed by the violent winds or the powerful waves which submerged the littoral.
Mayor Brian Button said the damage in the small town of 4,000 people is worse than authorities imagined.
“The weather has cleared up, but the situation remains grim,” he said on Facebook. The situation cannot return to normal in one day. This is going to take days, weeks, even months in some places. »
Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP say the body of the 73-year-old Port aux Basques woman who went missing after her residence was damaged by the storm has been found.
“The body was located in the water sometime before 4 p.m. today by RCMP officers. With the help of the Canadian Coast Guard and search and rescue teams from Barachois and Stephenville, the woman’s body was recovered,” she said in a statement.
Another woman swept into the ocean after her residence collapsed was rescued by neighbours.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston and several members of his cabinet were scheduled to visit some of the hardest-hit areas of Cape Breton by helicopter on Sunday morning.
At Reserve Mine, about 15km east of Sydney, trees fell in residences.
“Glace Bay and Reserve Mines look like war zones. The houses lost their roofs, the trees were felled. I know that Capbretonnais will help their friends and family as best they can,” said resident Darren MacKinnon.
Reggie Boutilier lost part of his roof. His shed was completely destroyed.
“The winds were blowing very hard,” said the 67-year-old man. They hit the top of the house all night. Their strength was incredible. »
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who canceled his planned visit to Japan for the state funeral of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, said he too will visit the Maritimes as soon as possible.
The storm did not spare Prince Edward Island.
Leigh Misener of Covehead Wharf stared at what was left of the building where he worked.
“It’s my place, come whenever you want,” he joked.
His sarcasm did not hide his dismay. It is heartbreaking to see the damage. The quay reveals an image worthy of the apocalypse with its destroyed buildings, its ravaged land, as if the place had been hit by a powerful earthquake.
“The whole wharf is gone. Everyone will suffer,” Mr. Misener said.
Judy Profitt, who lives near Brackley Beach, noticed that an important landmark was no longer present near the Covehead Bridge: a small dune that rose there.
“It was my favorite dune. She was leveled, mentioned Mme Profitt, sobs in his voice. I photographed this dune. After my husband’s death, it was engraved on his tombstone. It’s so sad to see what she’s become. »
The government has announced that schools will be closed on Monday and Tuesday in the province. Like Nova Scotia the previous day, the federal government has approved Prince Edward Island’s request for assistance in deploying military personnel, announced Federal Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair.
“Members of the Canadian Armed Forces will help remove debris and repair transmission links while technicians work to restore the power grid,” the minister said.