Prayers and Resources for People Impacted by Flooding

Image credit: Radio-Canada / Ivanoh Demers

Compassionate God, source of all comfort,
We pray for the people whose lives have been devastated by rain and flood.
Bring them comfort, we pray.
Protect the vulnerable.
Strengthen the weak.
Keep at bay the spread of disease.
Have mercy on all those working to rescue the stranded and to feed the hungry.
And may our response to their suffering be generous and bring you praise.
For we ask it in Jesus name,
Amen.

Quebec has experienced the worst flooding in the recorded history of the province.  More than 10,000 people have been forced from their homes. On the island of Montreal 94 residences were flooded, 49 were surrounded by water and 55 were evacuated. In nearby Ste-Marthe-sur-le-Lac more than 6,000 people were forced to evacuate after a dike was breached last weekend. The flooding left more than one third of the homes in the small town under water.

On April 25th, 50 people were forced from their homes downriver of the Bell Falls dam on the Rouge River due to concerns that the dam could collapse. At least 1,000 Quebercers are known to be in the care of the Red Cross. About 100 volunteers and more than 30 staff are providing support in 11 municipalities and are monitoring the needs of 22 other communities. Flooding has also impacted hundreds of people in New Brunswick and Ontario.

This is the second once in a hundred years flood Quebec has seen in the last three years. As reported by the Guardian, scientists say that climate change plays a role in these floods. More such flooding is expected as the climate continues to warm.

With more rain expected there are concerns that we will see even more flooding in the coming days.

BE PREPARED. If water is starting to flood your home, turn off all electricity to avoid electrocution. Do not drink the water if you are anywhere near flooded areas. For more information on the flooding in Quebec click here. Click here to learn how to prepare for a flood, here to create a home evacuation plan and here to assemble a basic emergency kit. For a detailed guide on floods click here.