N.B. flood damage 'beyond imagination': Alward

The damage left behind by this week's flood that hit parts of southwestern New Brunswick is "beyond imagination," Premier David Alward said on Friday.

Many communities along stretches of southern and western New Brunswicksaw extensive damage to roads, bridges and houses following the floods, with Charlotte County the hardest-hit place in the province, according to the Emergency Measures Organization.

The destruction inflicted on many of the communities is "sad," Alward said.

"It is really beyond imagination especially in parts of southwestern New Brunswick and Charlotte County. Many homes covered up to their rooftops, vehicles under water, many people displaced," Alward said.

"Throughout much of the St. John River Valley and southwestern New Brunswick and Charlotte County, many roads and the rail system has been breached."

At one point during the flood, 120 roads were partially or fully flooded, but that is nowdown to 70.

Bonny River flooded

All roads and bridges leading into the southwestern community of Bonny River, which is near St. Stephen,were either washed out or underwater.

The CanadianRed Cross set up shelter at the Bonny River Fire Department to help residents who lost their homes in the flood.

The main commute to and from Bonny River in recent days has been by boat, such as those operated by Cooke Aquaculture, whichhas beenhelping by ferrying people and supplies.

Many roads werefully hidden by water except for the tops of stop signs, while thelocal landscapewas filled with broken porches and waterlogged houses.

'I love my spot on the river but as I've always said, to have the best spot, there are prices to pay, but I think this price is too high.' Angela Steen, Bonny River resident

Nicole Norman, who lives in nearby Second Falls, said she finally got a chance to assess the damage to her home on Thursday, and saw the inside was a disaster.

"I saved some of my daughter's Christmas gifts, that's about it. Everything else is ruined," Norman said.

Angela Steen, another Bonny River resident, said she fared a little better.

Her basement is completely flooded but she managed to save some items.

Steen said after what happened during the flood, she can't imagine living in her home much longer.

"I love my spot on the river but as I've always said, to have the best spot, there are prices to pay, but I think this price is too high," said Steen.

Steen said she is relieved the water has finally crested, but she said it will be a long time before things are fully back to normal in her community.

Relief offered

Alward toured the area Wednesday after announcing the government would extend various forms of relief to people affected by the rising waters.

The plan outlined by Alward includes complimentary reconnection of electrical services and free water testing.

The premier said the government will also help with health and safety inspections and thatcitizens can register for funding through the disaster financial assistance program by contacting Service New Brunswick.

Alward said the government is offering residents $4,000, which will help people start taking care of their immediate needs.

Federal cabinet minister Keith Ashfield said the government is willing to help the provincial government fund efforts to rebuild after the flood.

Alward and Transportation Minister Claude Williams have estimated that millions of dollars worth of repairs need to be done to infrastructure across the province because of the floods.

A complicating factor is some road work will have to wait until the spring because the full repairs cannot becompleted during the cold and snow of winter.