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The aftermath of Hurricane Debby
In August, Hurricane Debby unleashed unprecedented rainfall across Quebec, particularly in Montreal, where residents faced record-breaking downpours. The storm resulted in severe flooding, damaging homes and infrastructure, and leaving many residents in dire need of assistance.
However, despite the scale of the disaster, the Quebec government has only processed a small fraction of the nearly 10,000 claims submitted by affected individuals.
As of now, less than 10% of these claims have resulted in financial aid, with only 720 payments made.
This has left many residents feeling abandoned and frustrated, as they grapple with the aftermath of the storm. The government’s initial promises of expanded aid have not materialized, leading to widespread disappointment among those who suffered significant losses.
Unmet expectations and bureaucratic hurdles
Residents like Isabelle Leblanc, who faced $45,000 in damages due to flooding, express their disillusionment with the government’s response. “The government’s promise to expand aid was all smoke and mirrors,” she stated, highlighting the gap between expectations and reality.
Many homeowners are now left to navigate a complex and often unresponsive bureaucratic system, which has only added to their stress.
Initial estimates indicated that the storm caused nearly $2.5 billion in insured damages, making it the costliest severe weather event in Quebec’s history.
Yet, as claims continue to pile up, the government’s slow response has raised questions about its commitment to supporting flood victims. Many residents have been denied aid based on technicalities, such as being told that their damages were due to sewer backups, which are typically covered by private insurance.
The call for change
As frustration mounts, calls for reform of the provincial assistance program are growing louder. Advocates argue that the program should be expanded to cover sewer backups caused by urban runoff, a significant issue during the storm. Nicolas Milot, an ecological transition director, emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach to disaster relief that addresses the realities faced by residents.
With the government estimating that the total cost of damages will reach $250 million, including $100 million for individuals and businesses, many residents are left wondering if they will ever see the support they were promised. The emotional toll of the disaster is palpable, as families struggle to rebuild their lives amidst uncertainty. For many, the lack of timely assistance has turned a natural disaster into a prolonged crisis.
