NLIS 8
September 27, 2005
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)

Update on West Coast flooding

Stephenville remains under a state of emergency this evening, and the Town of Reidville is in the process of declaring a state of emergency as officials continue to assess the flooding situation.

"I have toured the area extensively, and I was so impressed by the tremendous response of everyone involved.  I would especially like to commend the quick and effective response of all emergency and town officials, and residents. This is certainly a very difficult situation, however, the people of the region are coming together with government and emergency officials to work to address issues. I can assure residents on the west coast that we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that the needs of communities are responded to, and we have measures in place to address issues as they arise," stated Premier Williams. "Prime Minister Paul Martin has extended an offer of federal assistance to the province, and we will continue to work with the federal government to identify areas where assistance may be needed."

As minister responsible for the province�s Emergency Measures Organization, Minister Jack Byrne, along with Stephenville MHA and Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment Joan Burke have toured the Stephenville area. Premier Williams has also arrived in Stephenville and assessed the damage through an aerial tour late this afternoon.

"Although it is too early to get a clear picture of the total damage, devastation to homes, roads and property on the west coast is dramatic," stated Minister Byrne . "Officials with emergency measures, the town, search and rescue, fire protection, government, RCMP, and the Red Cross are on the ground working together to provide emergency services and information to the affected areas."

"It is reassuring to have the Premier and Minister Byrne here within just hours of the flooding to see this situation first hand.  My department of HRLE, in cooperation with other organizations and government departments, is working hard to meet the needs of residents during this state of emergency," added Minister Burke.

New details available on the flooding are as follows:

• Updated rainfall amounts provided by Environment Canada as of 3:30 p.m. this afternoon:  Stephenville had received 137 mm of rain, Deer Lake - 80mm, Corner Brook - 58.4 mm and Port aux Basques - 46.5mm. It is expected that rainfall will cease in the coming hours.
• New flooding has been reported in Hughes Brook.
• HRLE will be setting up a reception centre in Deer Lake for stranded residents of Reidville.
• Reidville is in the process of declaring a State of Emergency as the main road has been washed out. 
• Reported road closures include the Hansen Highway Bridge, Cold Brook Bridge, Iglood Road,  Route 460 - Black Duck to Stephenville, Route 490 - past the ramp to Minnesota Drive, Brook Street, overpass from Columbus Bridge to Prince Rubert Street. The Trans Canada Highway at Pynn's Brook has been closed as of 4:00 p.m. today for approximately 12 hours.  Trans Canada Highway East and West of Pynn's Brook is fine.
• Other road disruption includes the bridge near McDonalds which is open to emergency vehicles only, the bridge in Kippens is open to one lane only, and Trans Canada Highway five kilometres east of Gallants intersection has been reduced to one lane.
• Approximately 200 houses in Stephenville have been flooded and residents have been safely evacuated.

 Update on services to the area:

• All regularly scheduled health services for Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital are cancelled for today, however the facility will remain open to provide essential and emergency services to the people in the Stephenville area.
• All road and air ambulance services are on alert
• The municipal elections for Deer Lake, Reidville and Cormack have adjourned for the day and will reschedule the remaining poll hours in the next seven days. Stephenville elections were postponed earlier in the day and will be rescheduled at a date to be determined.

The Emergency Measures Organization in St. John's remains the central coordinating unit relating to the emergency response effort with the various towns affected. Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to remain in their homes, and to not attempt to travel as road conditions are unstable and may be unsafe. Those requiring emergency assistance in Stephenville can contact Emergency Measures (Town Hall) at (709) 643-8380, and those in surrounding areas can contact the RCMP at (709) 643-2118.

Media contact: Heather MacLean, Communications, (709) 729-1983, 690-2498 or heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca

2005 09 27                                            8:40 p.m.