Weekend downpour leaves major flooding, sinkholes in central Quebec
The heavy rain that drenched much of Quebec on Saturday left flooded rivers and blocked roads in its wake Sunday in several parts of the province.
Multiple rivers burst their banks Sunday morning in the Charlevoix region, while other watercourse levels in the area swelled significantly.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, 135 millimetres of rain has fallen in Baie-Saint-Paul, Que., — about 95 kilometres northeast of Quebec City — so far this weekend. An additional 10 to 25 millimetres are expected by Sunday evening.
One campsite in the area, the Genévrier, was flooded for the fourth time this year by the Rivière des Mares — a tributary of the Rivière du Gouffre. Campers were forced to evacuate the premises as a preventative measure.
While the Rivière du Gouffre reported major flooding Sunday morning, officials say water levels in the area should start to drop around 4 p.m. (Philippe L'Heureux/Radio-Canada)
A flood protection wall was installed Sunday afternoon in a residential area to shield several houses from the rising water.
On Sunday morning, the Rivière du Gouffre in Saint-Urbain, north of Baie-Saint-Paul, reported "major flooding." A chalet was swept away by the waters, officials say.
The situation is reminiscent of this past summer, when heavy rains swelled rivers in the region and two volunteer firefighters died after being swept away by rushing floodwaters.
In Saint-Siméon, further northeast in the region, an accommodation centre was opened as a precaution for residents in case the situation deteriorates, according to Mayor Sylvain Tremblay. No one has utilized it as of Sunday afternoon.
Officials say water levels in the Charlevoix region should start to drop around 4 p.m.
Route 170 is inaccessible from L'Anse-Saint-Jean to Sagard between kilometres 13 and 68 due to the flooding. (Alexandra Duchaine/Radio-Canada)
In Bas-Saguenay, in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, Route 170 is inaccessible from L'Anse-Saint-Jean to Sagard between kilometres 13 and 68 due to flooding. Homes located between kilometres 56 and 68 are being evacuated.
According to the mayor of Petit-Saguenay, Philôme La France, emergency measures have been triggered.
"Route 170 is currently cut between Petit-Saguenay and L'Anse-Saint-Jean, as well as between Petit-Saguenay and Saint-Siméon. It is impossible to evacuate from one side or the other at the moment," the municipality said in a Facebook post Sunday morning.
The bridge to get to the Petit-Saguenay wharf is currently inaccessible and all chalet residents have been evacuated. Eugène-Morin Street, Chemin des Îles and du Quai Street are also closed.
"We ask you to stay at home unless your residence is threatened by rising waters," the post reads.
Sinkhole in Mauricie region splits road
The downpour also caused damage in the Mauricie region. In the municipality of Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc, Chemin des Marcottes was split by a major sinkhole following the heavy rain.
According to city officials, it could be several days before the path is fully reopened to residents in the area.
A road in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc, Que., in the Mauricie region was completely split in two by a sinkhole following the heavy rain. (Martin Chabot/Radio-Canada)
Meanwhile, the city of Trois-Rivières has implemented preventive measures to limit the impact of the rain expected to continue Sunday.
Officials say they will ensure constant monitoring of the Père-Daniel, Laviolette and Saint-Maurice tunnels as well as the Bettez, Lacerte and Milette waterways.
Pumps are also being installed in high-risk areas to redirect water if necessary.
The city is asking pool owners to delay emptying them in order to reduce the quantity of water in the stormwater system.
