Firefighters and police officers made the rounds Saturday checking on people in Rigaud, Que. who decided to stay in their homes despite the recent flood.
The small town, located west of Montreal near the Ontario border, declared a state of emergency Thursday after a combination of heavy rainfall and spring thaw flooded the region. No official evacuation order was made, and some residents chose to wait out the water.
Septic tanks have flooded and residents are being warned not to drink the local well water unless it has been boiled for one minute.
“We’re seeing if the people are OK and if they have food and drinking water for the next 72 hours,” Robert Steinhaeusser, a Rigaud firefighter, told CTV Montreal.
The water levels have finally stabilized, but town officials continue to monitor the situation three to four times a day, according to Rigaud Mayor Hans Gruenwald Jr. Clear weather expected in the next few days.
Residents said they are seeing the highest water levels in more than 15 years, with the water nearly waist-high in some areas. Some residents have used canoes and pedal boats to survey the neighbourhood for damage and see if anyone needs help.
“I mean, there’s nothing we can do,” said resident Guylaine Catudal. “We have to wait and eventually the water’s going to go down.”
Another resident, Frank Costanzo, also remained at his Rigaud home, where he typically spends his weekends. Costanzo said he wanted to ensure it didn’t flood while he was away and picked up an extra pump just to be safe.
“We can see that people are getting tired, their spirits are a little raw, but we’re here to help them out,” the mayor said.
Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard said the provincial government is keeping a close eye on the situation.
“I want to tell these people that we feel for them, we are at work on a daily basis making sure they are safe,” said Couillard. “Later, we’ll talk damages but first and foremost we’re dealing with people’s safety.”
With a report from CTV Montreal’s Tanya Krywiak
