Flooding fears worsen in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

Although they hoped the worst was over, it seems flood victims in the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu area of Quebec are in for even more rising waters.

Another 50-60 mm of rain is expected to fall by the time the weekend arrives, according to weather reports.

In total, 2,100 homes have been flooded in the region – including 750 in the town of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

So far, 50 families have been evacuated from their houses.

Estimates indicate water is rising 1-3 cm per hour downstream from Chambly and about 1 cm per hour above St-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

Particularly affected areas include the river mouths Huron and Acadia.

Rivers Pike, Huron, Ewing, Roche, Matawin Mastigouche and Bastican, and Lake Saint-Pierre have reached or will reach their threshold for minor flooding Wednesday.

As well, in the area of Saint-Mathias-sur-Richelieu, many fields are starting to flood.

Financial compensation

Given the severity of the situation, a help centre opened Wednesday for flood victims to request financial compensation for their homes.

Additionally, more than 700 victims attended a public meeting on Tuesday.

How the situation will progress from this point is in the hands of Mother Nature, officials say.

If winds pick up from the north, the waters will stabilize, they say, but if they come from the south, it will be even longer before the situation comes under control.