Much of NS Faces Emergency Flooding
STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED PROVINCE-WIDE.
A lot of people are talking about global climate change today. As if recent hurricanes were not enough, the altered seasons with tinder dry wildfires, aberrant heat and humidity, and now, torrential floods, even the staunchest holdouts are beginning to see the light.
While forecasts for Cumberland ranged from 10 to 25 millimetres of rain, most of the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia received eight to ten times that amount.
Rivers overflowed their banks while roads were washed out and bridges fell. Road closures and property damage were reported from Shelburne County, along the south shore through Queens and Lunenburg, with extensive damage in Hants and Halifax Counties.
Emergency Measures officials and Nova Scotia Power staff were kept busy through the night to a soundtrack of a thunderous light show.
All critical partners, including municipalities, policing agencies, fire and rescue organizations, Nova Scotia Power, Environment and Climate Change Canada, telecommunications companies, and others are at the table to support impacted communities.
The Premier says, “We want people to be safe, and with rain continuing to fall throughout the weekend there is still the potential for more damage that could cause injury.” Tim Houston added, “Right now, the best thing people can do is stay home, monitor weather and news reports and check in on your neighbours who may need assistance.”
Meanwhile, a province-wide state of emergency has been declared across Nova Scotia. The order is in place to ensure the entire province is protected as the storm continues to progress.
The Minister responsible for the Emergency Management Office says, “This flooding has been fast and furious, and we are taking strong action to ensure Nova Scotians are protected.” John Lohr added, “We need people to stay off the roads so that first responders and critical infrastructure partners can do their work to restore our roads and power and keep people safe.”
Nova Scotians in flooded areas are asked to have an emergency kit ready, in case an evacuation order is issued. No one should attempt to shut off electricity if water is present. Also, people should never cross flooded areas and they should avoid rivers and streams.
People with wells should take necessary actions to make sure their well water is safe. Flooding can contaminate well water with bacteria and chemicals that can make the water unsafe to drink.
A fact sheet is available at: https://www.novascotia.ca/nse/water/docs/FACT.SHEET.Well-Water-After-a-Flood.pdf.
The Environment Canada forecast for Cumberland has improved. There is a 60% chance of showers and thundershowers tonight and the heavy rain forecast for Sunday has been revised to suggest the worst is over and we may see some sunshine.
The NS Department of Public Works is responding to flooding and washouts on roads and highways. For the latest on provincial road conditions, visit https://511.novascotia.ca/.
The photo attached shows cars stranded in the parking lot in a Bedford plaza. The photo below is the baseball and sports fields behind the Bedford Mall. Photos by Communications Nova Scotia.
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