Nearly 5,000 Quebecers have already asked the province for financial aid following flooding

Quebec's public security ministry has received nearly 5,000 applications for financial aid after this year's flooding, andthe minister of public security says she believes that number will rise.

Genevive Guilbault says $25.9 million dollars has already been distributed to people affected by the flooding.

"These are early numbers, but they give us an idea of where we are," Guilbault said on Thursday.

People from across the province are eligible for government aid. The most recent figures from the ministry of public safety show people in 188 municipalities are eligible to apply for government assistance.

In total, the government has received 4,915 requests for aid so far.Victims are able to submit their claims before either July 25 or August 8, depending on where they live.

In comparison, the government received 6,172 requests for aid after the 2017 flooding.

On Thursday, Guilbault said a total of 13,500 people were forced out of their homes. She said the vast majority of them have been allowed back, except in Gatineau and Rigaud, where flooding was particularly severe.

In total, nearly 10,000 buildings were affected. That number is also expected to rise as the ministry receives more requests for financial aid.