Montreal City extended a state of emergency for more five days across the island. Sunday afternoon, council meeting in the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro decided extension. It also allowed the city to order imperative evacuations. Let’s discuss the Montreal flood & reason behind the emergency state extension.
The order empowers fire department to spend more money for relief. Consequently, it also imposes more tasks to the department such as relief efforts, requisition private properties etc.
Montreal Fire chief Bruno Lachance mentioned that the upcoming 48 hours will be critical. He said, “We are still expecting an increase in water levels today and tomorrow.”
Pierrefonds Mayor Jim Beis said water levels exceeded more than the 2017 spring floods.
For blocking river water from backing up into the sewers the balloon system has installed. But, some of them failed.
Lachance said, “The balloons are difficult to install because of water pressure and the current.”
A permanent dirt dyke made some years ago is now failing in multiple places. Residents built a 0.5km dyke on it to prevent more damage from Montreal flood but failed soon.
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Now people are trying to make a new and second dyke five meters in to stop the water. Dykes are being closely monitored, but explained most of the current flooding in Pierrefonds has been caused by sewers backing up, said Lachance.
There is an updated Montreal map available online with road closure information. Also, you can consult Quebec 511 for closure updates across the province.
In addition, residents have to suffer due to due to a long power cut on Saturday night that too without any prior notice.
Hydro Quebec asserted that the power cut was held on the emergency request of firefighters.
In Île Bizard’s trailer park, it will take time to restore power. Additionally, residents will have to get a certificate from electricians before requesting power restoration.
Want to know more about previous situations of Quebec & Ottawa floods?
(CLICK HERE) OTTAWA FLOOD. (CLICK HERE) QUEBEC FLOOD.
Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante vowed to work more on preventing these similar situations in future and also to ensure strict zoning laws.
Plante said, “It’s hard to see people suffering and having to deal with a lot of stress right now. At the same time, everybody participating and contributing — it’s great.”
she also added, “That being said, solidarity in moments like this is important, but then we need to work so it doesn’t happen anymore.”
Further, Montreal Mayor said, “We cannot continue this way. Not only do we need to protect more but we cannot let people and municipalities build houses in places where it will have not only an impact on their lives but an entire territory. For the future that needs to stop.”
So, this was everything about Montreal flood and efforts of residents, firefighters and officials. For more updates on it stay tuned to Daily Patron.
