On April 5, 2023, the 2023 Canadian ice storm devastated Quebec and Ontario, knocked out electricity for more than a million people, resulted in fatalities, and severely damaged property and infrastructure.[1]
 Surface map on April 5, 2023 at 12 UTC (7 AM EST). | |
| Formed | 5 April 2023 |
|---|---|
| Fatalities | 2 |
| Areas affected | Eastern Canada, primarily Quebec and Ontario |
Background
editThe two most populous provinces in Canada, Ontario and Quebec, were most severely impacted by the natural catastrophe, with the worst power outage in Quebec since the 1998 ice storm brought on by toppled power lines and blocked roadways. Two people died as a consequence of the storm's effects: one was crushed by a falling limb in Quebec and another was killed by a falling tree in Ontario. While encouraging locals to stay away from downed power lines and to avoid going in forested areas where trees loaded with ice may topple, emergency workers worked to clean roadways and reconnect power lines.[2]
Response
editThe weather warnings were cancelled and the situation was under control, according to the authorities, but they nevertheless recommended care because it would take many weeks to repair the damage brought on by the ice storm. François Legault, the premier of Quebec, emphasized the dangers of extreme weather conditions and the rising probability that they may occur as a result of climate change.[3]
Reactions
editCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was present in Montreal at the time, described the storm as a trying period for residents of Montreal and others who had been impacted by the tragedy throughout the province. Long-lasting cleanup and restoration operations are needed to bring the afflicted communities back to normality after the ice storm.[4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Canada: Quebec ice storm leaves two dead, million without power". Gulf News. April 7, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
- ^ Shakil, Ismail (April 7, 2023). "Two dead, over a million without power after ice storm hits Canada". Reuters. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
- ^ Tenneriello, Tina (April 6, 2023). "Quebec ministers: a third of Quebecers without power will get it back within 24 hours". CityNews. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
- ^ "Millions without power in ice storm-ravaged eastern Canada". The News International. April 7, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.