Montrealer Gilles Pilotte drags a inflatable raft filled with sandbags down a flooded street, to a friend's home in Saint-Paul-de-l'�le-aux-Noix, Que.,, May 22, 2011 to help her reinforce her flood barriers against an expected rise in water along the Richelieu RiverPeter Mccabe/The Canadian Press
High winds are playing havoc with attempts to contain water levels along the Richelieu River as hundreds of exhausted and demoralized residents brace themselves for several more days of flooding.
Officials warned that more evacuations may be required as water levels are expected to peak again this week and may surpass the records reached on May 6. It could mean more homes may be inundated as strong winds across Lake Champlain push water north into the flooded zones.
Residents in at least 15 communities along the river are expecting the flooding to get worse before it gets better.
"By the looks of it, the situation will get worse," said Gerard Dutil, mayor of the small community of St-Paul-de l'Ile-aux-Noix. "Winds will be gusting between 40 and 60 kilometres an hour and that will create waves of 30 to 60 centimetres high. For many residents that means water levels will increase and cover the floors in the their homes. Some of them will have to be evacuated."
It's been nearly a month since the flooding began, and experts can't say with any certainty how long it will take for the waters to recede. More than 230 cm of rain has fallen on the region since April 14, more than double the average for this time of year, according to government figures.
"We are entering uncharted territory and we are dealing with a new set of conditions," said France-Sylvie Loisel, spokesperson for the Quebec Ministry of Public Security's regional services who expressed concerns about the strong winds. "The water levels increased gradually so you can be sure that they will also recede gradually. It is going to take time."
There has never been flooding on this scale and for such a long period of time in the region. For an area with such a low population density, the numbers are staggering: 2,660 homes and another 334 cottages have been flooded, requiring the evacuation of 1,467 people. Close to 200 roads and streets have been turned into canals.
The cost of damages continues to rise. So far the Quebec government has issued close to 2,000 cheques to flood victims covering slightly more that $4-million in compensation. More funds will likely be needed when all the damages are assessed.
"But what is more important right now is to make sure that help is available for those people who are growing increasingly weary about trying to protect their homes and personal belongings," Ms. Loisel said.
About 250 soldiers are helping to sandbag homes, and more troops may be deployed. As many as 800 soldiers were sent into the region to help residents cope with the flood but many were recalled, which sparked an outcry from mayors and municipal leaders.
Premier Jean Charest toured the ravaged communities on Saturday and urged federal Defence Minister Peter MacKay to do the same. Mr. Charest said more help from the military may be needed in the coming days.
The weather forecast was calling for strong winds until late Tuesday, allowing for a reprieve by Wednesday.
With a report from The Canadian Press
Rhéal Séguin