Chertsey, Que., experienced a devastating rainstorm on Sunday, causing flooding, road damage, and the closure of one of the main roads due to a broken dam. Pierre Rochon, a resident, had to spend the morning clearing water and mud from his flooded basement. The city experienced over 120 millimetres of torrential rain in just a few hours, leading to chaos and emergency situations. Chertsey Mayor Michelle Joly described the situation as very scary, with about 100 homes stranded due to road conditions.
Chertsey has a small population of about 5,000 residents, but it becomes much more populated during long weekends and holidays, reaching up to 16,000 people. The city has 58 dams, of which 15 are municipality-owned, and the rest are private. Due to two major dams being lost last year, officials are very cautious about the dam infrastructure. Crews had to quickly repair roads to regain access for the stranded residents. On Sunday, emergency crews had to save people stuck near the Ouareau River, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The city has a vast territory with 347 kilometres of road that were potentially damaged by the rainstorm. Citizens were urged to stay indoors to avoid any additional dangers. Crews put up signs near the damaged roads and dams to prevent people from approaching risky areas. While another rain system is expected on Wednesday, the forecasted amount of rain is not enough to cause concern. This gives the crews time to repair the damage caused over the weekend. Quebec Public Security Minister François Bonnardel assured that the government teams are in contact with Chertsey and Val-David officials to provide assistance if needed.
The aftermath of the rainstorm in Chertsey has left visible reminders of the devastation everywhere in the city. From crumbling roads to broken dams and people cleaning up the mess, the community is working together to recover from the impact of the storm. Residents like Pierre Rochon are facing the daunting task of cleaning out their flooded basements and homes. Mayor Michelle Joly expressed concerns about the flooding, attributing it to the wrath of Mother Nature seeking retribution for human actions. With the worst of the storm over, authorities are now focused on repairing the damage and ensuring the safety of the residents.
Chertsey, a small town in Quebec’s cottage country, faced significant challenges during the rainstorm, leading to emergency situations and road closures. The high population during long weekends and holidays added to the complexity of the situation, with authorities urging people to stay indoors to avoid risks. The loss of two major dams last year has made officials more cautious about the infrastructure, prompting rapid repairs to ensure safety. With environmental concerns growing, the community is focused on recovering from the storm and preparing for any future challenges. Quebec officials are providing support and assistance to Chertsey and other affected areas to address specific needs and ensure a swift recovery process.
