A large search continues for four missing people in Hants County after severe downpours wreaked havoc on many areas of our province.
Among the missing are two children, a youth, and an adult.
It happened after their vehicles quickly became submerged under water on Saturday.
Mayor Abraham Zebian fought back tears as he addressed the situation.
“We’re doing everything we can, our hearts and prayers are going out to those families. I just want them all to know that we’re all with you.”
Police were able to locate a pick-up truck, which is believed to be the vehicle that the children were in, but it was empty.
RCMP added that industrial pumping equipment is being mobilized to lower the water levels in the search area.
The Department of Natural Resources and Ground Search and Rescue Teams from West Hants, Colchester, and Annapolis Valley are all involved in the search.
“Out of respect for the families we will not be releasing their identities or any additional personal information at this time,” RCMP statement released on Sunday.
25 Bridges Impacted, 6 whipped out
The clean-up continues after historic rain and flooding caused millions in damage.
In total, 25 bridges were impacted in our province with six being completely whipped out.
Roads have been slowly opening back up as the water recedes.
Roughly 600 people were evacuated due to flooding in their homes at the peak of the storm.
Nova Scotia’s chief engineer has reported more than 50 roads have been washed out, mainly in the central and western regions of the province.
Mark Peachy says about 400 people are isolated right now because of bridge damage.
Nova Scotia has applied for federal funding to help with costs not covered by insurance, and in a post to social late Sunday, the request has been approved by the federal government.
Road Conditions
RCMP continue to ask people to drive with caution as shoulders of highways have been impacted and flooding on major highways is still a problem.
The most up to date information on roads can be found at 511 either by phone and online.
Flooding advisories remain in effect for Highway 101, 102, 103, 107, 111 and 118.
Source: 511
Halifax Hard Hit
If you are wondering about getting into work on Monday, the city has a map of roads blocked due to flooding and it is available here.
Halifax Mayor Mike Savage says it will take days for the water to recede in places like Bedford and Sackville.
Savage is calling for patience as crews work to repair roads and infrastructure.
They are dealing with about 300 calls for road repairs.
Due to flooding throughout the municipality and extensive road damage, there are significant delays and detours throughout the Halifax Transit system.
Updates are shared on halifax.ca/transit, as well as @hfxtransit on Twitter.
There are still a number of areas which are not accessible and concerns about safety of residents and the ability to move around.
As a result, municipal offices will be closed Monday, July 24, and any administrative staff who can work remotely are being asked to do so.
Emergency Management Director Erica Fleck says it will help to reduce traffic and allow crews to continue assessments and repairs.
Source: Nova Scotia Government.
Halifax Water’s Jeff Myrick says crews have been working around the clock and all dams are structurally sound.
The Halifax Water system remains safe to drink. See the fact sheet on using well water after a flood.
Emergency flooding calls are to be directed to Halifax Water at 902.420.9287
Several Areas See Rainfall Totals 250mm+
Between 200 and 300 millimeters of rain fell in this historic weather event.
Much of it falling within 12 to 15 hours.
Dozens of communities witnessed over 250 millimetres including Bedford, Lower Sackville and Bridgewater.
The largest number on the map is 300 millimetres in the Panuke Lake area.
Evacuation Orders Lifted
As the weather improved, evacuation orders were lifted around Fancy Lake in Lunenburg County and residents were allowed to return to 440 homes in the area.
Shelters that were opened are now closed as of Sunday.
Other evacuation orders were lifted in the St. Croix area in Hants County.
Canada Post shutting down service in N.S.
Mail delivery won’t happen in our province Monday.
A red service alert has been issued by Canada Post due to flooding in the region.
They say collection and delivery is on-hold until they can better evaluate areas for safety.
