Flooding in Quebec's Richelieu Valley is affecting about a dozen municipalities along the river, and residents are bracing for more evacuations as heavy rain and strong wind expected to continue all week. Up to 60 millimetres of rain are expected to fall by Thursday night, while the Richelieu River has swelled to record levels.
The river rose another five centimetres Wednesday morning.
About 400 people have been told to leave their homes in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Saint-Anne-de-Sabrevois, St-Paul-de-l'Île-aux-Noix and Lacolle, and at least 2,000 homes have flooded.
Several people were travelling by canoe along the streets of St-Paul-de-l'Île-aux-Noix Wednesday, according to CBC reporter Melissa Kent.
Septic tanks have overflowed in some municipalities, and towns officials are setting up portable toilets and handing out water bottles.
Four emergency shelters have been set up in the Montérégie region for evacuated residents who have nowhere to go. (read more)
