Quebec rallies support with financial aid for victims of Tropical Storm Debby
Tashi Farmilo
In the aftermath of the severe damage caused by Tropical Storm Debby on August 9 and 10, the Government of Quebec has announced that financial assistance will be available through the General Disaster Financial Assistance Program (PGAF). This program is designed to provide critical support to municipalities, citizens, and businesses that have suffered losses due to disasters, such as the widespread flooding and ground movements triggered by the storm.
The PGAF serves as a last-resort measure, offering financial aid to those affected by specific disasters not typically covered by insurance. This includes expenses related to temporary preventive measures, damage to movable property, and emergency repair work. The program aims to help those whose losses are not adequately covered by existing insurance policies.
François Bonnardel, Minister of Public Security, emphasized the government's commitment to supporting those impacted by the storm. He stated, "As with every disaster, our government is there to support municipalities, the population, and businesses that must deal with all these unpleasant consequences. Ensuring the safety of all Quebecers and the protection of their property is at the heart of our action."
Residents and municipalities affected by Tropical Storm Debby will soon be able to access a list of eligible municipalities on the government’s official website, Québec.ca. Until then, detailed information about the storm's impact and the available resources can be found on the Situation Report page dedicated to the heavy rains: https://www.quebec.ca/securite-situations-urgence/urgences-sinistres-risques-naturels/quoi-faire-avant-pendant-apres-urgence-sinistre/inondation/etat-de-situation-pluies-abondantes.
The PGAF is specifically designed to assist with a variety of disaster-related claims, such as flooding caused by torrential rain, ice jams, or rapid snowmelt leading to overflowing rivers and streams. It also covers damages resulting from bank erosion, submersion, landslides, and earthquakes. The program focuses on providing assistance for damages that are not typically covered by insurance, such as flooding from overflowing watercourses during heavy rains. However, incidents like sewer backups or water infiltration, where the flooding is not directly caused by an overflowing watercourse, are generally covered by private insurers and are therefore not eligible under the PGAF.
This financial assistance is essential for the repair of primary residences, businesses, and vital municipal infrastructure. Additionally, municipalities can receive support for the extra costs incurred from implementing temporary prevention, intervention, or recovery measures in response to the disaster.
Individuals affected by the storm’s flooding should first register with their local municipality as disaster victims and contact their insurance providers before applying for financial assistance through the PGAF. To expedite the process, applications for financial aid and compensation can be submitted online via the Government of Quebec's Security and Emergency Situations portal: www.quebec.ca/securite-situations-urgence.
Photo caption: François Bonnardel, Minister of Public Security, announced that Quebec's General Disaster Financial Assistance Program will provide crucial support to residents, businesses, and municipalities affected by the severe damage from Tropical Storm Debby.
Photo credit: Screenshot of press conference on YouTube
