Severe thunderstorm watch in effect for New Brunswick

Much of New Brunswick – which witnessed flooding this spring and continues to clean up in the wake of post tropical storm Arthur – was under a severe thunderstorm watch from Environment Canada Wednesday.

The watch was in effect for all of northern and central New Brunswick. “Persons in or near this area should be on the lookout for adverse weather conditions and take necessary safety precautions,” notes the watch.

In late May, the province’s Department of Environment and Local Government announced the launch of New Brunswick’s Flood Risk Reduction Strategy, which focuses on actions to reduce flood risk and help communities be more resilient.

The strategy – the objectives of which contain measures around public education, collaboration and engagement of residents, and sharing resources – is centred on accurate flood hazard identification; planning for communities and infrastructure to avoid flood risk; and informed mitigation of existing flood risk.

Everyone has a role to play in reducing flood risk and the strategy “is an important first step in working toward long-term solutions,” environment and local government minister Danny Soucy said in a statement. “Its success will depend on co-operation by all levels of government and our residents,” Soucy said of the strategy, which fulfills a commitment from the 2012 Speech from the Throne.

In early May, public safety minister and solicitor general Bruce Northrup announced a Disaster Financial Assistance Program (DFAP) for homes, businesses and communities affected by flooding since April 15.

Northrup also reported that the maximum assistance for structural repairs to private residences will be set at $120,000, compared to the previous maximum of $80,000, and the maximum allowable amount of $500,000 has been established for damage to small businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

“This program will allow hundreds of New Brunswickers, and the communities they live in, to get back on their feet by helping to pay for uninsurable damages and losses that threaten health and safety,” the solicitor general said at the time.

The deadline to apply for disaster financial assistance is Aug. 8.

Temporary offices set up in Sussex and Grand Falls to assist flood victims in applying for DFAP will remain open until Aug. 1, notes a statement issued June 24 by the Department of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “It is important that we keep these offices open so people affected by this spring’s flooding can get help with the process,” Northrup pointed out.

As of late June, about 920 reports of damage had been received, with damage estimated at $16.9 million.