Eastern Quebec, Magdalen Islands remain under state of emergency as Fiona hits coast

Post-tropical storm Fiona hit eastern Quebec early Saturday morning, forcing evacuations and road closures in the Magdalen Islands, which remain under a state of emergency.

Speaking at a news conference Saturday, the acting mayor of Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Richard Leblanc, said several evacuations took place overnight and through the morning.

"The night is finished, but the storm isn't over," Leblanc said.

He said 22 people were evacuated, including six who were able to find shelter with family. Leblanc said shelter sites will be open and available overnight.

While winds died down slightly by midday Saturday, Leblanc said they're expected to pick up again before dying off overnight. He said they couldn't tell how many homes were damaged, but the municipal public security service should know the extent of the damage by Sunday, when Public Security Minister Geneviève Guilbault is expected to visit if the weather permits.

Roads remained closed across the island, with downed trees, flooding and debris making travel treacherous. Residents were also asked to limit their water consumption, as some municipal water pumps are running on generators.

Hydro-Québec said returning power to the pumps is a priority. As of 4 p.m., just under a thousand clients were without power in the archipelago. Teams will be attempting to repair power lines as long as it is safe to do so, a spokesperson said.

Leblanc also asked residents to report any water rushing from municipal water mains, as it could signal damage.

"There's a lot of buildings that may have moved, and the plumbing with it," he said.

One of two telecommunications cables that serves the Magdalen Islands was also damaged, though there is currently no impact on Internet signal and electronic communications. Advance voting polls for the Quebec election scheduled for Sunday have been cancelled. 

Fiona started as a hurricane and was declared a post-tropical storm around midnight Saturday, a few hours before making its landfall in Atlantic Canada.

Damage scattered across the region

On the mainland, about 5,700 people were without power in the Gaspé region, which declared its own state of emergency Saturday.

Route 132 has been closed in both directions near the town of Percé due to fallen electrical poles. Like the Magdalen Islands, some areas without electricity are being asked to conserve water.

Gaspé Mayor Daniel Côté said the southern parts of the region — such as Haldimand, Sandy Beach, Douglastown, Seal Cove and York — were particularly affected. High tide is expected to roll in around mid-afternoon, which may exacerbate the situation, he added.

There are currently no concerns for anyone's health or safety, he said.

Buildings and roads across the region have been affected. Dramatic footage shows the historic Château Dubuc in Chandler, Que., being swept into the sea.

The building had stood since 1916 and was an important part of the area's heritage, lamented Jean-Marie Fallu, the president of the local heritage organization Patrimoine Gaspésie.

Fiona is expected to make its way along Lower North Shore throughout Saturday evening, overnight and into Sunday morning.

Residents weather the storm

Lyne Morissette, a marine animal researcher on an expedition in the area, was stuck on the islands with her team while they waited out the storm.

She said they worked in shifts to protect the ship, currently tied in the wharf, and the equipment on board.

"The water was at the level of the wharf almost everywhere, and everyone is on their guard," she told Radio-Canada. "But it's beautiful to see the solidarity of the people — the fishermen, the crew."

On land, residents of the Magdalen Islands were also dealing with the effects of Fiona. Looking at her artisanal soap shop Saturday, Ariane Arsenault found her business mostly under water.

"I'm hopeful that we're not going to have too many damages inside, but there's a lot of water," she told CBC. "There's more water than Dorian [in 2019]."

Arsenault said she spent the last week preparing for the storm. She left nothing outside and her summer employee — who usually lives in the shop — was safe elsewhere for the weekend. 

"We're islanders. We're not used to this kind of extreme weather but we're used to high winds, we're used to being flooded," she said.

"As long as there's nobody hurt, no lives are lost and everybody's safe then I'm OK. Structural damage can be fixed."

Premier promises financial support

Speaking on Saturday, incumbent Premier François Legault said a financial program — similar to those put in place after the Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac floods in 2019 — will be put in place. 

"I still want to reassure Quebecers there that anything not covered by regular insurance, we will make sure to have a program to fill the gap," said Legault. "But no one has died and that's what's most important." 

It is too early to take complete inventory of damages, and the storm isn't over, he said. He advised those in the archipelago to stay home at least until tonight, when the storm is expected to slow down.

He acknowledged extreme weather events are becoming more common, and that the Quebec government will have to work with municipalities on climate adaptation. 

Legault's Coalition Avenir Québec government had previously promised $7 billion for improving infrastructure in the face of climate change and electrifying transport, though municipalities have yet to receive those funds.