Saint John River Flooding in New Brunswick, Disaster Recovery Statement

Disaster Recovery Spring 2008 / Update information (08/05/09)
NB 693

May 9, 2008

FREDERICTON (CNB) - The Department of Public Safety's New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization Disaster Recovery Spring 2008 issued the following update on Friday, May 9, 2008.

Residents must report their flood damage and register for the Disaster Financial Assistance program (if they have not already done so) by calling 1-888-298-8555, or online at http://www.snb.ca/emo. People only need to register flood damage once for each property they own.

There are seven inspection teams in several areas, visiting homes and small businesses to assess damages and determine the necessary repairs needed for people to return safely to their homes. Teams may include electrical, environmental, health, fire/safety, structural, gas, and plumbing inspectors. These inspection teams will be clearly identified by uniform and photo identification.

As of this morning, the Service New Brunswick flood recovery line had registered a total of 1,295 calls from residents and small business operators reporting damage throughout the province.

A total of 388 inspections had been completed as of noon today.

Persons waiting for inspections are asked to be patient, as the inspections teams are working as fast as they can to deal with the large number of requests.

08/05/09

MEDIA CONTACT: NB-EMO, 506-453-2133 or 1-800-561-4034.

08/05/09

Saint John River Flooding in New Brunswick Update 4

River Watch 2008 / Flood warning continues (08/05/09)
NB 691

May 9, 2008

FREDERICTON (CNB) - River Watch 2008 and the Department of Public Safety's New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization are continuing the flood warning for the Grand Lake area, including Sheffield and communities downstream to the City of Saint John, effective today, Friday, May 9, 2008.

Persons living or working along all streams, tributaries and rivers in the lower St. John River valley are asked to remain on alert, as we remain above flood stage in many areas.

The light rain fall yesterday (Thursday) did not have a major impact on water levels, and the decreasing trend in water levels is continuing. The light rain forecast for this weekend is not expected to have any major impact on water levels. Water levels may fluctuate in response to tidal influences.

As of 11:30 a.m. water levels were as follows:

In Fredericton, the water level was 6.43 metres and is expected remain steady at 6.5 metres on Saturday morning and decrease to 6.4 on Sunday. Flood stage is 6.5.

In Maugerville, the water level is at 5.94 metres and is expected to be steady at 5.9 metres on Saturday and decrease to 5.8. on Sunday. Flood stage is 6.0.

In Jemseg, the water level is at 5.36 metres and will decrease slightly to 5.2 metres on Saturday and on Sunday to 5.1. Flood stage is 4.3.

In Grand Lake, the water level is at 5.34 metres and is expected to decrease to 5.2 metres on Saturday and on Sunday to 5.1. Flood stage is 5.0.

In Sheffield-Lakeville Corner, the water level is at 5.38 metres and is expected to decrease slightly to around 5.3 metres on Saturday and on Sunday to 5.2. Flood stage is 4.8.

In Oak Point, the water level is at 4.69 metres and is expected to have a high tide level of around 4.7 metres on Saturday and decrease on Sunday to 4.6. Flood stage is 4.7.

In Quispamsis-Saint John, the water level is at 4.48 metres and is expected to have a high tide level of 4.5 metres on Saturday and decrease to 4.4 metres on Sunday. Flood stage is 4.2.

The next report will be issued on Saturday, May 10, 2008.