On March 17, 2025, Drummondville declared a state of emergency as the Saint-François River overflowed, threatening homes and prompting urgent evacuations of residents living in flood-prone areas. The Municipal Civil Security Organization (OMSCD) ordered all residents within these zones to evacuate immediately, emphasizing the gravity of the situation as rising water levels were predicted to escalate throughout the evening.
By the afternoon, the OMSCD reported 150 homes had already been evacuated, with approximately 300 additional structures still at risk. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to assist residents, some of whom had to be rescued by boat due to the rapid rise in water levels. Firefighters, who have been active on the ground since early Monday morning, were central to these efforts.
Mayor Stéphanie Lacoste addressed the situation around 3 PM, providing some reassurance as she stated, "The situation is stabilizing, but we are still concerned about another surge later this evening." Meanwhile, Dominic Villeneuve, the city's Director of Communications, highlighted the unusual severity of this year's flooding. He noted, "We haven’t seen levels this high for several years," underlining the community's pressing need for precautionary measures.
Numerous streets, including sections of boulevard Allard and chemin Hemming, were rendered impassable, complicate access to affected neighborhoods. While some roads began to reopen, many residents have been advised not to return to their homes until it is deemed safe. The public has been urged to respect road closures and detours as emergency services continue to assess the situation.
To support those displaced, the city opened the Centre sportif Girardin, located at 805 rue Marchand, as a reception center for flood victims. This facility offers warmth, electricity for charging devices, and sanitary services. Currently, approximately 24 individuals are receiving assistance at this center, which aims to provide refuge for those who cannot stay with family or friends.
Residents forced to evacuate were also encouraged to consult the flood information guide available online, which contains valuable suggestions on preparing emergency kits. These kits should ideally include essentials like drinking water, clothing, medications, and important documents.
Throughout the crisis, the OMSCD and the Sûreté du Québec are maintaining close surveillance of the river, deploying teams to evaluate the water levels and help those at risk. Villeneuve assured residents of their commitment to public safety, stating, "Our alert concerns 300 buildings, and we are closely monitoring the situation to facilitate necessary actions as the water level fluctuates." The government has urged all citizens to closely follow updates on the city’s website and Facebook page to stay informed.
This flooding incident has garnered significant attention, highlighting the community's resilience and the importance of preparation and quick response to natural disasters. Local authorities encourage everyone to remain vigilant as conditions may change rapidly, and citizens are reminded of the need for cooperation as the community navigates this difficult situation together.
Given the unpredictability of the Saint-François River, residents must heed all warnings and guidelines issued by the OMSCD. The flooding has been described as one of the most significant events the community has faced in years, and the path to recovery will undoubtedly require collaboration and support.
Drummondville's responsibility extends beyond just immediate rescues; the city is also tasked with planning for the aftermath of the flooding. Emergency services will continue operations as long as necessary to assist those affected and to monitor the river. The community's welfare remains the highest priority as Drummondville confronts this challenging situation, with every effort being made to secure the health and safety of its residents.
For now, the focus remains on providing aid to those affected and ensuring the proper measures are taken to prevent any future incidents from developing.
