Fiona storm cleanup: Recovery efforts ongoing, Hydro One sending crews
Posted September 27, 2022 6:23 am.
Last Updated September 27, 2022 9:40 am.
Newfoundlanders continue to account for what remains and what was destroyed this weekend when post-tropical storm Fiona tore through the province, demolishing homes and claiming the life of a 73-year-old woman.
Displaced residents in Port aux Basques, N.L., face an uncertain future, as officials work on a relief fund to help them either rebuild or relocate.
Some of those residents returned to their homes Monday, flanked by emergency workers, to grab clothes or other essentials as they prepare for what could be an extended absence.
Premier Andrew Furey says the province is assessing exactly how many homes were damaged in the storm.
Shelters and hotels have been made available for those in immediate need, but Andrew Parsons, who represents the area in the provincial legislature, says finding long-term accommodations may require tapping into resources like cabins and homes owned by seasonal residents.
In Nova Scotia, RCMP say the search for missing 81-year-old man Larry Smith of Lower Prospect, last seen on Friday night, has concluded based on the belief he was swept out to sea during the storm.
Nova Scotia Power also said Monday there were no issues delaying American power crews from crossing the border to help repair the electrical grid, clarifying an earlier statement that claimed an issue with the controversial ArriveCan app had hampered crews.
The Canadian military is deploying troops and equipment to the region after the federal government approved requests for assistance from Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador over the weekend.
Hydro One sending employees to help with Fiona cleanup
Ontario’s Hydro One will send more than 30 employees to Atlantic Canada to help restore power in the aftermath of Fiona.
The crews will be sent to Nova Scotia to help with the restoration efforts near Truro, Nova Scotia. The workers are expected to reach the affected areas on Tuesday.
“Fiona brought with it heavy rainfall, severe winds and historic damage,” said Hydro One’s Chief Operating Officer David Lebeter. “Our highly skilled storm responders have a long, award-winning history of restoring power during times of crisis.”
Premier Doug Ford said Hydro One was “on standby” and could send help if necessary. The Premier announced on the weekend that Hydro Ottawa crews were being sent to regions impacted by Fiona to help repair the damage.
