High water and flooding
In Quebec, flooding resulting from high water events can have many socio-economic and environmental impacts. While flooding is not particularly deadly in the province, it can cause widespread damage to infrastructure, affect the health and well-being of the population, and disrupt essential services. It also entails significant costs for affected governments, businesses and individuals.
The cost of flooding in Quebec
Considering government spending alone, it is estimated that the average cost of flooding was about $70 million/year between 1991 and 2013. However, the floods in 2017 and 2019 significantly increased the bill, costing $360 million and $438 million respectively, according to the Ministère de la Sécurité publique.
Additional costs are inevitably borne by the victims, despite the financial assistance offered to them and possible insurance claims. In addition to these amounts, there are indirect costs related to the loss of economic activity and the impact on the physical and psychological health of those affected.
The health and well-being of individuals
Floods impact the mental and physical health of those affected. They cause serious disruption to the lives of the people exposed to them. They are also associated with an increased risk of post-traumatic stress symptoms or disorders, anxiety, and a strong sense of long-term insecurity.
Physically, floods can cause injuries, drownings, or accidents when driving on flooded roads. They can also exacerbate pre-existing chronic diseases in affected individuals.
Infrastructure
Floods can cause significant damage to buildings, infrastructure and personal property. Floodwaters can damage building foundations, electrical systems and vehicles, resulting in significant economic losses.
High water events and floods can also disrupt essential services such as drinking water supply, electricity, transportation and communications. In some cases, critical infrastructure can be damaged, limiting access to basic services and emergency response capacities.
In addition, some economic activities may also be disrupted. For example, sometimes floods reach agricultural land, destroying crops. Flooded businesses may be forced to cease operations.
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