From floods to mud: Quebec evacuees return home to assess damage

Most people who had to leave their homes earlier this week as floodwaters threatened municipalities near Quebec City and in the Eastern Townships have been allowed to return home. 

Now, it's time for damage control. 

Roger Amyot was forced out of his home in Ste-Brigitte-de-Laval, north of Quebec City, twice this year because of flooding. He says he now has to dry out the inside of his house to prevent mould. 

"We take things one day at a time. We have to be positive, but also realistic, so we'll take it as it comes," he said. 

Steve Binette, the director of Maison l'Intégrale, an addiction treatment centre in Sherbrooke that houses 45 people, said residents there had to be transferred to Orford, Que., on Tuesday morning due to flooding. They were able to return to Sherbrooke in the evening. 

It was the third time the centre flooded in 15 years, Binette said. He's thinking of moving it. 

"Every time, it's a huge stress. We have a vulnerable clientele and we have to think about the future," Binette said.

Even though the water levels are receding, two popular provincial parks remained closed on Thursday.

Camping at the Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier, a national park 50 kilometres north of Quebec City, will be off-limits until Monday. The Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay is closed until July 25.