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

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

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

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

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

While winds died down slightlyby midday Saturday, Leblanc said they're expected to pick up again before dying off overnight. Hesaid they couldn't tell how many homes were damaged, but the municipal public securityservice should knowthe extent of the damage by Sunday, when Public Security MinisterGenevive Guilbaultis expected to visit if the weather permits.

Roadsremainedclosed 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 pumpsare running on generators.

Hydro-Qubec said returning power to the pumps is a priority. As of 4 p.m.,just under athousand 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 anywater 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 servesthe MagdalenIslandswas also damaged, though there is currently no impact onInternet signaland electronic communications. Advance voting polls for the Quebec election scheduled forSunday havebeen 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 Gasp region, which declared its own state of emergency Saturday.

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

Gasp Mayor Daniel Ct 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 Chteau 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 organizationPatrimoine Gaspsie.

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

Residents weather the storm

Lyne Morissette, a marine animal researcheron 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 herartisanal soap shopSaturday, 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]."

Arsenaultsaid she spent the last week preparing for the storm. Sheleftnothing 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 onSaturday, incumbent Premier Franois Legault said afinancial program similar to thoseput 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 thosein 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 thatthe Quebec governmentwill have to work with municipalities on climate adaptation.

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