Flood Disaster in Quebec

Hope Returning

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Samaritan’s Purse Canada wrapped up its clean-up operations in southern Quebec on July 16 after assisting 81 families that were affected by extensive flooding. The team assessed damage to homes and coordinated local volunteers to help clean-up by removing soggy drywall and insulation, administering mould remediation, and helping people get their homes to the point where they are ready to rebuild.

“In a word, the volunteer response has been fabulous,” said Brent Davis, manager of Emergency & Disaster Response for Samaritan’s Purse Canada.  Stephen Joudry, Samaritan’s Purse southern Quebec base manager agreed. “The volunteers have put in long hours doing hard, tiring work. It was really overwhelming to see them working so hard and then take time to listen and comfort the homeowners.” 

God was present as Samaritan’s Purse worked in southern Quebec, beginning on July 5.  More than 110 volunteers donated over 1300 volunteer hours, initiating 81 work orders in the area.  We were blessed with a Francophone staff of team leaders, chaplains, and a receptionist, who were instrumental in bringing our ministry to the community.  Initially, many residents were hesitant to ask for help from Samaritan’s Purse, but as news of our work spread, we were kept busy with job requests. 

Located on the shore of the Richelieu River in Noyan, QC, André Beausoleil’s home was submerged for nearly eight weeks in stagnant river water. The campground he invested his life into creating is now desolate. The buildings that were so popular with vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts were eaten by mold up to the ceiling and the stench of rotting flood debris poisoned the air.  

Exhausted, Beausoleil worked day and night trying to save what was left. With all his tenants gone, he faced the necessity of investing all his savings in reconstruction. He found his strength and morale collapsing.  A local team of social workers, concerned about his health, contacted Samaritan's Purse with an urgent message: “This man is sinking into despair, please send help.”  In fact, the team refused to leave Mr. Beausoleil until Samaritan’s Purse arrived.

That same afternoon, Stephen Joudry and his volunteers arrived at the property.  Despite the blazing sun and humidity, they removed wheelbarrow-loads of contaminated materials from the home, as well as debris that littered the ground, continuing the work that Beausoleil was struggling with.

"I'm exhausted, finished, my spirits are very low," said Beausoleil. “We need organizations like yours—you’re there to help poor people."

The team began treatment against mold in the home and team leaders maintained contact with Beausoleil, to assist him when needed and offer encouragement. "You cheer me up," said the man. For Beausoleil and his family, hope is finally returning.

 “We appreciate the help being offered by Samaritan’s Purse,” said Owen MacCallum, Noyan Village councilor. “There are a lot of people emotionally down—a fresh burst of help from outside will not only help physically, but also emotionally.”

A key part of the effort was the Disaster Relief Unit, a truck and trailer outfitted with essential disaster recovery equipment including generators, pumps, hand tools, and safety gear for volunteers. It also serves as a volunteer coordination centre, and is equipped with a self-contained office, communications system, and other supplies.

The unit – and another based in Calgary – has helped Samaritan’s Purse respond to natural disasters across Canada in recent years, including Hurricane Igor in Newfoundland, floods in New Brunswick and in British Columbia, a violent wind storm in Ontario, and the wildfires in Slave Lake, AB. 

Ways You Can Help
Pray Please pray that God will provide peace and comfort to discouraged homeowners in Quebec.		Give Partner with us in helping our hurting brothers and sisters in Quebec. Donate Here.