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The cities of Montreal and Laval, both surrounded by rivers, are preparing for the worst as water levels rise in the regions.
In a statement, Montreal spokesperson Joanna Kanga said, so far, no flooding has been reported, and the city is continuously monitoring water levels to anticipate any changes.
But, just in case, the city has launched a flood response plan, as forecasts indicate rising water levels in the coming days, requiring increased vigilance.
Kanga says preventive measures in line with the Plan particulier d’intervention (PPI) have already been implemented in certain vulnerable areas and that additional measures may be rolled out in the coming days, depending on how water levels rise.
“Our top priority is the safety of Montrealers. We didn’t wait for flooding to occur before taking action,” Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada said Wednesday in a statement to Radio-Canada.
The city encourages residents living in flood-prone areas to visit its website as well as their borough or municipality’s website for information specific to their area.
Kanga also says residents can sign up for Montreal’s “notices and alerts” system to receive important information about their borough via email or text message.
Laval readies for possible flooding
In a statement issued Wednesday, the City of Laval says there hasn’t been any emergency interventions just yet, but the situation is under constant surveillance.
However, some streets are impassable due to minor flooding, particularly in the Laval-Ouest and Fabreville sectors, including Riviera and 41e streets, as well as 8e and 9e avenues.
Rising water levels have been observed over the past few days on the Des Prairies and Mille-Îles rivers. The city will begin work Thursday to install a dike on Riviera Street, which is expected to take five days.
The city’s municipal civil safety plan has been activated, and teams are standing by, the statement says.
“Preventive patrols are underway, and municipal teams are ensuring continuous follow-up,” the statement says. “According to forecasts, the rise in water flow and levels are expected to continue over the next five to seven days.”
Those living in flood-prone zones should be ready, the city says, noting more information can be found on Laval’s website. Residents can also register for city alerts and updates through the website.