The city of Saguenay and the Saguenay Fire Department ordered the emergency evacuation of 53 houses. The latest order comes just days after another 24 homes were evacuated after a landslide swept away a home on Monday. Authorities are concerned that a new landslide could occur in the area. They asked the residents to leave their homes by Sunday morning. Several families left the area taking as many things as possible with them. Some went to stay with relatives, while the city redirected those who had nowhere to go to a shelter at the Center des sports Jean-Claude Tremblay. So far, 76 families have been displaced, according to Saguenay Mayor Julie Dufour.
Possible landslide
The city was informed on Saturday that the ground in the area was more unstable than previously thought and that more houses could be in danger. During a press conference on Saturday afternoon at the headquarters of the Saguenay Fire Department, the municipal authorities stated that this is an important event and they take it seriously. In a press conference late Saturday, Saguenay Mayor Julie Dufour, who has left, said that everything will be done to support the victims. (Jonathan Lamoth / Radio Canada) At 4 a.m. Saturday, the Quebec Department of Transportation informed Saguenay that the ground could easily collapse and that conditions were similar to those observed in the nearby community of Saint-Jean-Vianney in 1971, when a landslide killed 31 people in the Shipshaw area.
Long evacuation
Officials warn that the evacuation order could remain in force for weeks or even months. “We are doing everything we can to help relocate these people, to give them information. It is our number one priority,” Dufour added. “And I ask everyone to work together as soon as possible, to take things in stride.” All those affected by the evacuation will be taken care of, local authorities assured. Saguenay invites those affected to call (418) 699-6000 for support.
