Historic snowfall in Canada prompts state of emergency in some areas
(AFP, Montreal, 5th) Residents along Canada’s Atlantic coast were hit by a “historic” snowfall that paralyzed parts of Nova Scotia over the weekend, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency.
More than 1 meter of snow and strong winds paralyzed transportation networks and forced the closure of many businesses, government offices and schools.
“It is likely that snowfall amounts in excess of 100 millimeters will be expected in areas around southeastern Cape Breton,” Environment Canada meteorologist Bob Robichaud told AFP. The scale of the storm was described as “historic.”
“If we look at the entire incident, from the 2nd to this morning, these numbers are record-breaking.”
On the afternoon of the 4th, authorities on Cape Breton island in Nova Scotia declared a state of emergency, urging citizens to go out only when “absolutely necessary.”
Nova Scotia Governor Tim Houston said at a press conference today: “Such a large amount of snowfall and this kind of thick and sticky snow is very difficult, so we need time” to deal with it.
He said Ottawa has been asked to send troops and other resources to assist.
Canada’s federal Emergency Response Minister Harjit Sajjan said he has approved emergency assistance, including providing Parks Canada’s snow removal equipment and dispatching Coast Guard helicopters to deliver supplies.
“Residents of Nova Scotia, especially those in Cape Breton, will find themselves in the middle of an unprecedented snowstorm,” he posted on the X social platform, formerly known as Twitter.
On social media, residents shared images of the aftermath of the storm, some of which showed parts of the snow reaching the tops of doors or roofs of homes.
Public transportation in Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, was suspended, and flights at Halifax International Airport were delayed or canceled.
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2024-02-06 08:58:29
