Beauceville takes stock of damage after major flood

Water levels are dropping on the Chaudire River in Beauceville, Que., but the cleanup after this week's flooding is expected to take some time.

Schools and daycares remain closed in the town and two shelters are still open.

About 300 buildings, including 230 homes, were flooded Tuesdaywhen an ice jam gave way. The water rose quickly, carryingchunks of ice,garbage cans and even propane tanksonto the road.

"We are still on the alert. The level has dropped. We're more secure," saidPaul Martin, a spokesperson forthe town.

QuebecPublic Security Minister GeneviveGuilbault was in BeaucevilleTuesday to survey the damage.

The Quebec governmentrecentlyintroduced a new flood compensation program that makes it easier for people to make damage claims, but that also encourages people living in high risk areas to move away.

Guilbault said Tuesday it is too early to determine how that might affect Beauceville.