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Both the federal and provincial governments are providing disaster relief to those critically affected by flooding in southern New Brunswick.
Flooding plagued the region in late January due to melting snow and approximately 100 millimetres of rain. Many parts of Sussex and Saint John were affected, and the rising waters even forced road closures and power outages for thousands of households.
The flooding was so severe, that at least 38 people had to evacuate their homes in Sussex as water levels hit 9.75 metres above sea level.
CBC News reported that the disaster relief is for residents, small businesses, non-profit organizations and municipalities that sustained structural or property damage during the period of January 23-24. The relief program covers damage and losses that “threaten health and safety,” a government release said.
Under the program, structural repair costs for private citizens will be covered up to a maximum of $160,000. The maximum for small businesses and non-profit organizations is $500,000.
A government release offered a reminder that the program is not intended to be a replacement for insurance and is only for assisting with covering “the basic costs of essential items.”
Those interested in applying for the relief program have until May 31.
