In light of recent heavy rainfall, residents of central Quebec have been reminded that their insurance policies will not cover flooding if they live right next to a river.
Public Security Minister Martin Coiteux spoke with the residents of Shawinigan on Tuesday, warning them about the policy exclusion and telling homeowners to be patient as the province finds a way to resolve flooding issues.
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“I think the next few days are not going to be days when things are going to improve right away,” Coiteux said.
The area surrounding Shawinigan saw over five centimeters of rain, from Sunday evening to Tuesday morning,
CBC reported. Water damage was not just limited to private properties, as a number of roads in the area have been washed out, and sinkholes have formed on some. On Tuesday, two Sureté du Quebec officers were injured when their patrol car fell into a sinkhole in Sainte-Genevieve-de-Batiscan.
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In response to the sudden downpour, residents have been frantically sandbagging to save their properties. One resident told
CBC that water levels in the area are “quite high,” and will remain high for at least another week.
Coiteux assured residents that the provincial government has programs to help those affected, but he did not specify how much financial aid would be given out.
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