Flood forecast | Quebec in the face of many challenges

For example,

Flood forecast | quebec face:

In barely 45 minutes. For example, the level of the Guadalupe river in Texas climbed eight meters on July 4, when 225 millimeters of rain fell on the county of Kerr, killing at least 120 dead and more than 170 disappeared. In addition, Images of ravaged houses and built -in streets lead to the following questions. Similarly, Is Quebec ready for such weather situations? Consequently, And could such floods occur here?

Posted at 5:00 a.m.

“Global warming is the first contributor to the increased rains. Meanwhile, which increases the risk of floods in Quebec,” says Simon Legault, scientific communicator at Ouranos. For example, The warmer flood forecast | quebec face air can contain more humidity, which intensifies precipitation. Similarly, “It is a phenomenon that has occurred in Quebec, which will occur more and more due to global warming. Similarly, »»

The abundant rains now strike at different periods of the year, causing river floods or flash floods. Nevertheless, Quebec experienced such an episode last year in the Montreal region with the storm Debbywhich has also caused significant. Furthermore, repressions in the municipal sewers. In addition, These extreme episodes remain difficult to predict precisely.

PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL. Moreover, ARCHIVES LA PRESSE

Hurricane remains Debby had struck the south of Quebec in August 2024. Consequently, The Montreal region had then experienced flood forecast | quebec face an unprecedented episode of rain. In addition,

“We expect more and more heavy rains, but we are not yet able to say where in Quebec,” notes Mr. Therefore, Legault. Moreover, A complete revision of flood zone cards is underway. Furthermore, The new versions are expected by March 2026. “Better knowing its risk makes it possible to better prepare. »»

This is an urgent update. according to Philippe Gachon, professor of hydroclimatology at UQAM, since current cards “do not take into account torrential precipitation like those observed in Texas”.

“Are we ready?” The answer is partly yes, but largely no, ”says the professor. Very high resolution modeling tools to simulate significant precipitation still lacks development and financing.

We work to design these tools flood forecast | quebec face [de modélisation]but with starry research funds.

Philippe Gachon, professor of hydroclimatology at UQAM

Mr. Gachon also denounces a lack of political commitment. “I do not think that global warming is part of the current government priorities. If I were Mr. Carney. and I look at what happened in the United States, I would wonder if we are ready for such an event. »»

Flood forecast | quebec face

A different approach depending on the region

On a municipal level. the response to climatic risks is largely based on local means. Since the major floods of 2011. the city of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu has strengthened its intervention capacity with emergency plans, annual exercises, logistics partnerships with other municipalities and targeted alert tools.

Photo Ivanoh Demers. the press archives

Battlements make their way on a flooded street in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, in May 2011.

Currently. 47,711 citizens are subscribed to its automated system of vocal or text messages, and 25,504 in text alert for floods or snow removal. “During our latest emergency measures, we used our two systems to reach the greatest number of people,” says the city.

“Our system allows us to target the sectors at risk. without alerting the entire population and creating a panic effect,” said Jean Arsenault, director of the fire safety service in the city of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. “Not only are we ready, but we also practice. This system is however based on flood forecast | quebec face voluntary registration.

Elsewhere in Quebec, realities are very different. Stéphane Boutin. lecturer at the University of Montreal public health school, recalls that certain rural municipalities are still counting on volunteers to manage emergency measures.

In Montreal or Quebec, they are better equipped. On the other hand, elsewhere, sometimes it is volunteers who manage those affected.

Stéphane Boutin, lecturer at the University of Montreal Public Health School

According to Mr. Boutin, one of the biggest challenges remains communication. “If you do not identify risk areas. if you don’t have a method to reach people and that you don’t follow the weather right, a protocol can flank in different places. »»

“A shared responsibility”

On the government side. flood forecast | quebec face Jean Savard, a subminister associated with civil security, assures that Quebec takes the problem seriously. As of December, water experts and civil security officials come together to anticipate the flood risks of the following season. Tools like Quebec on alert, Emergency Quebec, the vigilance platform or local alerts are activated depending on the gravity.

Consult the Quebec Alert website Consult Quebec Emergency Tools Consult the vigilance platform

“Civil security is a shared responsibility between citizens. municipalities and the government. According to him. this collaborative approach makes it possible to anticipate extreme events, but it requires a constant commitment of all parties, in terms of both prevention and response.

“Are we well prepared?” Yes. Can we be more? Also. We have a system in place to improve our approach, ”concludes Mr. Savard.

flood forecast | quebec face

How to prepare for floods?

No one is safe from a sudden flood. Here are some simple gestures to do now:

  • Consult the vigilance platform to find out the risk of flooding in your sector.
  • Register for the alert system of your municipality.
  • Prepare an emergency family plan with Quebec emergency tools.
  • Keep an emergency kit with provisions for 72 hours.
  • Stay on the lookout for official alerts using the Quebec alert system.

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