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Over 250 Quebec residents evacuated due to flood risk on Christmas

Stand on the remains of a washed-out street, in Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval, Que., Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020. A flash flood forced the evacuation of residents on Christmas day, Dec. 25, as the waters of the Montmorency river came up because of heavy rains. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

Officials say water levels in several Quebec rivers are gradually stabilizing after warm weather and torrential rain forced more than 250 people around the Greater Quebec City region from their homes on Christmas Day.

A total of 266 people had to be evacuated due to rising waters, including 207 people in Ste-Brigitte-de-Laval north of Quebec City, and 30 in the provincial capital.

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A senior adviser at Quebec’s Civil Security department said today that while caution is still needed, the worst appears to be over.

READ MORE: COVID-19: Another record day of infections in Quebec as non-essential shops set to close

Steve Boivin says temperatures are dropping and water levels are expected to gradually recede in the rivers north of the St. Lawrence, although some waterways to the south continue to rise.

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He says water levels remain high and there is a risk of landslides due to erosion from the strong currents.

He said the St-Charles river in the Quebec City region continues to rise and is in a stage of moderate flooding, while several other rivers are experiencing minor flooding and will be closely monitored.

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