600 in Quebec Flee Flooding Rivers

Dozens of rivers swollen by a rapid spring thaw crested their banks in southern Quebec, forcing about 600 people from their homes and causing at least one death, provincial officials said. “We are talking about 50 to 60 rivers that are affected,� said Jean-Pierre Bazinet of Quebec’s Civil Protection Agency. “What is unusual is that we have many floodings at the same time across a wide region.� Officials said the river levels appeared to be stabilizing, but they were concerned about forecasts calling for four days of rain beginning today. Spring flooding is common in Quebec, but this year’s floods have been aggravated by exceptionally warm temperatures in late March.