SAINT-JEAN-SUR-RICHELIEU, Que. - Water levels in the Richelieu River have returned to an historic high and officials in Quebec are warning it could force even more residents from their homes.
The river level has been steadily climbing since Sunday and it's expected to rise another 20 centimetres by tomorrow.
High winds have been pushing water northward from Lake Champlain and creating big waves that could cause more damage in the communities along the river.
Quebec Premier Jean Charest, who returned to the region Monday, says the number of soldiers helping with the relief effort will double to about 500 in the next few hours.
The Richelieu hit its highest level in more than a century on May 6.
More than 3,000 homes have been flooded and 1,000 evacuated since the water began to rise more than a month ago.
Yvan Leroux, regional director of Quebec's civil security service, said there is concern now about the mental health of flood victims.
"We know the situation has been difficult and that it can lead to stress and exhaustion," he told reporters.
Leroux said health officials and counselling services remain in place to help residents cope with the situation.
