Major Flooding in Nova Scotia Leaves Four Missing, Hundreds Evacuated
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA – In what has been described as a “biblical” rain event, the Canadian province of Nova Scotia has been ravaged by three months’ worth of rain in just one day, causing widespread flooding and leaving at least four people missing, including two children.
The torrential downpour began on Friday night and continued into Saturday, leading to a state of emergency being declared across the province. The Halifax regional municipality, as well as nearby East Hants, West Hants, Lunenburg, and Queens, all fell under the state of emergency.
Halifax Mayor Mike Savage described the rainfall as “biblical proportions” and expressed deep concern for the safety and well-being of those affected.
Search and rescue efforts are currently underway for two children, a youth, and a man who went missing after the vehicles they were traveling in were submerged in two separate incidents early Saturday. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) located an unoccupied pick-up truck believed to be linked to the missing children after conducting an underwater search in a flooded field.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston expressed his gratitude to the first responders and assured the public that everything possible is being done to locate the missing individuals. Houston also took to Twitter to show his appreciation and ask for prayers for their safe return.
The province experienced an estimated 250 millimeters of rain, equivalent to three months’ worth, within a 24-hour period. As a result, infrastructure, including 25 bridges, has been compromised, with six completely destroyed. Authorities are working diligently to repair these structures and reopen closed roads.
Nova Scotia’s Department of Public Works is set to complete a temporary bridge to assist nearly 400 people stranded at a motocross track in East Hans, allowing them to return home.
While some residents are beginning to return after voluntary evacuations, many others remain displaced and are receiving assistance from the Red Cross. The government has urged residents in impacted areas to shelter in place until it is safe to return home.
Nova Scotia has recently faced numerous natural disasters, including wildfires and hurricanes. Just a few months ago, a large wildfire led to evacuations for thousands of residents and the destruction of numerous homes.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered his support, promising federal resources and assistance. Trudeau spoke with Premier Houston to ensure collaboration between federal and local authorities in search and rescue efforts.
As the province recovers from this devastating flooding event, communities are coming together to support one another, exhibiting the strength and resilience of Nova Scotians in the face of adversity.