Flood-weary Quebecers are on guard as water levels remain high but stable in several regions across the province on Saturday.
“Analysis of meteorological and hydrological data indicates that flood risk remains for some regions,” said Urgence Québec.
In Rigaud, located about 80 kilometres west of Montreal, authorities warn that while the water levels are slowly starting to decline, the situation is far from over.
READ MORE: Vaudreuil-Dorion workers secure roads, homes amid ‘big waves’ on Chemin de l’Anse
The city’s co-ordinator of public security says the flooding has surpassed the 100-year mark and the evacuation order for affected areas in Rigaud and Pointe-Fortune remains in effect.
“We still have hazardous conditions and we recommend people do not go into flood zones,” said Eric Martel, adding about 300 families are being sheltered.
WATCH: Flood waters up to people’s hips in Pointe-Gatineau as Quebec continues to deal with flooding
With water levels staying high but mostly stable, the Canadian Armed Forces said on Saturday that there is a substantial reduction in the number of tasks related to flooding that soldiers are carrying out. However, military groups are still in Gatineau, Montreal and Trois-Rivières, where they say they are ready to intervene if necessary.
READ MORE: What does it mean when a community is in a state of emergency?
Severe spring flooding has wreaked havoc across Quebec for more than two weeks. Several cities have launched a state of emergency and issued evacuation orders.
Urgence Québec says more than 5,300 residences are flooded and more than 3,700 are isolated as of Saturday morning. Rising floodwaters have forced nearly 10,500 people from their homes.
The majority of evacuees are from Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, a town northwest of Montreal, where thousands were forced to flee their homes after a dike failed one week ago.
Hydro-Québec opened some of its dams Friday to allow water to pass through and relieve pressure on reservoirs. This includes the Cornwall dam on the St. Lawrence River to relieve pressure on the Great Lakes.
The City of Montreal has also extended its state of emergency for a second time, citing high water levels. Mayor Valérie Plante announced the decision Friday afternoon, saying the situation is under control but water levels have not dropped.
WATCH BELOW: Mandatory evacuations continue in Rigaud
— With files from The Canadian Press
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