NLIS 10
September 30, 2005
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)
 

Update: West Coast Flooding - 2:30 p.m

Following is a status report concerning flooding on the west coast of the province as of 2:30 p.m., Friday, September 30:

• The departments of Municipal and Provincial Affairs (MAPA) and Human Resources, Labour and Employment (HRLE) have established guidelines on immediate issues related to the flood victims of Stephenville. MAPA has identified funding and is positioned as of September 29, 2005, to dispense the funds in accordance with the arrangement with HRLE. Provisions of the guidelines include mechanisms to provide immediate funds to residents for alternate rental arrangements and purchase of essential furniture items. These provisions will apply to those residents whom the town council has confirmed are unable to return to their homes.
   
• On September 30, the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment has begun to issue funds to flood victims in need.
   
• The Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Measures Organization distributed flood claim packages to communities on the west coast commencing on September 29. Claim packages were made readily available to residents immediately. Staff has been on the west coast in the affected communities making observations and meeting with municipal authorities and other agencies.
   
• The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation have commenced a preliminary assessment of damaged homes on behalf of NLEMO. The purpose of this preliminary assessment is to document the damage to the homes and contents as soon as possible.
   
• The Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Measures Organization has put forward a Request for Proposals to adjusting firms on September 27, 2005, for the provision of adjusting services for the flood claim, requesting that proposals be returned no later than September 30, 2005. The proposals for adjusting services will be assessed no later than Monday morning October 3, 2005. It is intended that adjusters be in place and working the Stephenville claims no later than October 5 or 6, 2005.
   
• Kippens - There are temporary lines in place for the homes whose waterline was affected. Engineers are doing an assessment and the main waterline is to be fixed at a later time. The road is open to one-way traffic.
   
• Stephenville - All roads are open. One bridge remains closed. Two bridges are open to restrictions to commercial traffic. The town has engaged Bae New Plan Group Limited to commence a full assessment of the municipal infrastructure damage. Power is being restored to homes on an ongoing basis. Residents are beginning the process for filing claims with NLEMO. Numerous homes are unlivable. These will be assessed more in-depth on Monday by the town's engineering firm (Bae New Plan) to determine if the homes are habitable. Interim living conditions are being established.
   
• Hughes Brook - NLEMO and the town are monitoring the river situation and the possible erosion of the river bank posing further threat or impact to residential homes. Further assessment of the river bank stability is ongoing.
   
• Roads - As of 10:00 a.m. the road to Reidville has been opened to one-way traffic. As work continues they may have to close the road temporarily while performing further upgrades. All roads to the Port au Port Peninsula are now open. Pynn's Brook is open to two-way traffic.

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

2005 09 30                    3:00 p.m.