A state of emergency has been declared in parts of eastern Quebec, after Storm Fiona made landfall on Saturday morning.
The storm, which was downgraded from a hurricane to a post-tropical cyclone on Friday, first barrelled into the Atlantic province of Nova Scotia, with heavy rain drenching the region and hurricane-strength winds downing power lines and trees.
Speaking at a news conference Saturday, the acting mayor of Îles-de-la-Madeleine – where a state of emergency has been declared -, Richard Leblanc, said several evacuations took place overnight and early this morning.
“The night is finished, but the storm isn’t over,” Leblanc said.
He said 22 people have been evacuated thus far, including six who were able to find shelter with family. Four sites are available for anyone who has been displaced, Leblanc said, underlining that they have more capacity, if necessary.
On the mainland, about 5,700 people are without power in the Gaspé region, which declared its own state of emergency Saturday.
Gaspé mayor Daniel Côté said the southern parts of the region — such as Haldimand, Sandy Beach, Douglastown, Seal Cove and York — were particularly affected. High tide is expected to roll in around mid-afternoon, which may exacerbate the situation, he added.
A dozen homes were also washed out to sea off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.
