L’Ascension flooding forces state of emergency after 105 mm downpour and landslides
L’Ascension flooding prompts state of emergency after 105 mm of rain; landslides and road failures isolate residents, leaving hundreds without power or water.
L’Ascension has declared a state of emergency after intense rainfall triggered landslides, road collapses and widespread infrastructure damage in the Hautes-Laurentides. The municipality recorded about 105 millimetres of rain in a short period on Monday, and local officials say the L’Ascension flooding has left parts of the village cut off and emergency crews scrambling to restore services. About 900 residents live in the community, and municipal leaders report dozens remain isolated as crews prioritize safety and access.
State of emergency declared
Mayor Jacques Allard announced the formal state of emergency as crews assessed immediate hazards and coordinated response efforts. He said the volume of water overwhelmed culverts and overflowed lakes and ditches, creating cascading failures across the municipality. The declaration allows the town to mobilize additional resources and seek provincial support to repair roads, stabilize slopes and assist affected households.
Major landslide beneath main street
A significant landslide occurred beneath the village’s main street, directly adjacent to the municipal garage and the fire station, officials confirmed. Portions of asphalt were ripped away and sections of terrain gave way, making the area unsafe for vehicles and pedestrians. Engineers and municipal crews have cordoned off the site while they evaluate slope stability and plan shoring or rerouting measures to protect emergency services access.
Bridges and culverts judged unsafe
Inspectors from the provincial Ministry of Transport have closed several bridges and are inspecting culverts that were undermined by fast-moving water. Municipal sources say many culverts were simply not large enough to handle the sudden runoff, and the erosive force undermined their foundations. Road closures are in place on multiple approaches, complicating travel and delaying deliveries of supplies and equipment.
Residents isolated and emergency response
Municipal officials reported that roughly 100 residents were entirely isolated at the height of the storm, and about half of them remained cut off the following morning. The town prioritized repair work in areas with the greatest impact to restore critical access where possible. Volunteers and neighbours have been assisting with sandbagging, transportation and informal welfare checks while municipal crews and contractors work on temporary measures.
Power, water and communications affected
More than 300 local addresses lost electrical power in the wake of the storm, and the loss of internet service has compounded communications challenges, according to the mayor’s office. The municipality also notified residents that potable water supply was interrupted in a sector of the village while technicians inspected distribution lines and treatment equipment. Officials warned that restoring full utility service could take time as roads and damaged infrastructure are repaired.
River Rouge high and forecast cautions
The Rouge River remained at very high levels after the downpour, prompting concern about further erosion and potential new washouts in low-lying areas. Environment Canada’s forecast called for fair conditions the day after the storm but indicated that additional precipitation was possible later in the week, which could hamper recovery efforts. Municipal leaders said they are monitoring river levels closely and preparing contingency measures should another rainfall event occur.
Local authorities are urging residents to follow municipal updates and to avoid travel through affected zones until roads and bridges are declared safe. Emergency shelters and support services are being organized for households that remain without power or safe access, and the municipality is coordinating with regional partners to expedite repairs. The community has described the response as a mix of official action and neighbourly assistance as crews work to restore services and secure damaged terrain.
