The municipalities of Saint-Félicien and Saint-Henri-de-Taillon are on high alert as the water level in Lac Saint-Jean is abnormally high. Unheard of, according to several residents who fear flooding.
Public works and the Saint-Félicien fire department were preparing for the worst for the next few days. The water level rose up to 18 feet and 10 inches yesterday.
A rallying point to inform residents and direct operations in the event of a disaster has been set up. Sandbags were distributed to citizens trying to protect their homes.
The mayor of Saint-Félicien, Luc Gibbons, and fire chief Viateur Aubé were on the ground all day. They confirmed that two people had decided to leave their residence. Authorities have recommended people take shelter with friends outside of risk areas.
Photo QMI Agency, Roger Gagnon
The authorities are trying to contain the rising waters, still in the Chemin du Canal sector.
First in 60 years
The grounds of the Domaine des Trois-Îles, near the Ashuapmushuan River, were also flooded, but the worst was avoided, the structures being spared.
Reached early yesterday evening, the owner of the Domaine, Jérôme Simard, said that, according to data compiled over time, it was the first time in 60 years that the river had reached such a level of water.
“I’ve been there for six years and it’s never gone so high. My island is almost completely flooded. »
The latter indicates that it will be necessary to wait until the water has disappeared before noticing the extent of the damage.
“We were starting to get out of it after the pandemic. Reservations have resumed, and there, bang! It will cost us a butter. It’s just flat. »
In Saint-Henri-de-Taillon, residents were also on the alert, given the precipitation forecast for the next few hours.
The grounds of Camping Belley were completely flooded. The campsite snack bar was surrounded by water. The seasonal campers who had arrived the day before have, for the most part, left the premises as a preventive measure.
Rio Tinto explains
Rio Tinto had met with residents early Friday afternoon to explain its management of the lake level.
Heavy rainfall over the past few days has thwarted its planning, and the company’s explanations have not convinced everyone.
This week, the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region received 60 millimeters of rain in just three days, they said.