Chapter 45: State of Emergency

Hey Everyone;

I don’t really know how to address this. Words can hardly describe the total devastation that all three communities are in at this time. It was announced that Middle Arm has declared a “state of emergency” after over 100mm of rain fell since yesterday. Severe flooding and damage that is beyond jaw dropping has taken place as flooding in these three little communities occurred. Roads are literally swept away, water as leveled with the town’s bridges and houses, yes people’s HOUSES are ruined. Report after report of peoples homes have been flooded, ruining almost everything. A fair number of houses, cars, basements, etc. in Middle Arm (Burlington’s neighboring community) has been flooded by the water. The road going into Middle Arm (might I add the ONLY road giving access to the town) as been completely destroyed, with a large gap of run off, the road has been washed out through the surrounding wooded area. The road going to Smith’s Harbour has been closed off - noone going in or out- due to the flooding that occurred there. A lone house stands, totally surrounded by water and the owners were forced to evacuate, taking nothing but an overnight bag. The road going through Smith’s Harbour has been washed out as well. An helicopter has been flown in to pick up an elder man in Middle Arm who has taken sick, this is the only way to get people in and out of the town.

As of now, that is all I can say, so I’ll let the following pictures speak for themselves:

Flooding caused the road to Middle Arm to wash out completly, stranding some 600+ residents.

This is a man trying to cross what was Middle Arm Road.

This is the water that flows under the bridge in Burlington

House in Middle Arm... flooded.

Water flowing under the bridge.

Road flooded.

Water flowing on John Matthew's lawn

Water flowing under bridge

Water crossing the road by Jethro Saunders

Water flowing across road out in Perry's Cove
Water level with road, by United Church

Water flowing over road

Tammy Richards house... burried by rockslide and flood water.

VOCM has an excellent report of this story. You can read it here
Both CBC and NTV has covered the story as well. You can read the CBC written story here.
I'll be posting lots more pictures very soon so keep coming back for more updates!
Also, I would like to add thank you to Bev and Tracy for letting me use the photos.

Peace, Prayers

~Josh