The Thanksgiving storm that saw the remnants of Hurricane Matthew batter parts of Canada has resulted in a $7 million repair bill in Newfoundland and Labrador.
A total of 145 claims have been filed under the province’s disaster assistance program, coming from residents, small businesses and not-for-profits, it has emerged.
The estimated $7 million bill accounts for total damages to municipal infrastructure,
CBC reports.
The central and southern regions of the province were pounded by storms and heavy rainfall on Thanksgiving Day, with Burgeo being hit by 263 millimetres of rain.
On Monday, Eddie Joyce, minister of municipal affairs, thanked those that helped the province cope with the effects of the storm during a speech at the House of Assembly.
“I want to acknowledge the hard work of all municipalities, first responders, employees, town councils and the RCMP for their efforts,” he said.
“Our government will continue to work with all levels of government, organizations and homeowners in the recovery phase of this storm.”
The disaster – which saw the Trans-Canada Highway closed and road washouts in at least 10 towns – highlighted the province’s growing ability to respond quickly and effectively during an emergency, Joyce said.
The disaster financial assistance division is currently processing all claims, he explained, adding that the province has worked closely with the federal government to roll out the financial assistance program as quickly as possible.
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