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Fiona hits Canada’s Atlantic coast causing flooding and power outages

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Power outages have affected half a million people in the areas devastated by the phenomenon, which became a powerful post-tropical cyclone when it made landfall in the province of Nova Scotia, uprooting houses from their foundations and trees by the roots.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau approved the request for federal assistance made from Nova Scotia, after Fiona’s arrival at dawn on Saturday caused damage to several cities in that province.


The phenomenon weakened slightly when it went from degree 4 with which it hit Bermuda to 2, but when it made landfall it became a post-tropical cyclone, although with wind speeds similar to those of a hurricane, which ripped off roofs and in some cities even houses from their foundations so that they could be washed away by the raging waters in Channel-Port Aux Basques and Newfoundland, both on the south coast.

Floods, evacuations, power outages and downed trees were the common denominator in places like Prince Edward Island or the cities of Moncton, Shediac, Sackville and Charlottetown.

Two residents walk through the flooded streets of the town of Shediac, New Brunswick, in the aftermath of Storm Fiona, September 24, 2022
Two residents walk through the flooded streets of the town of Shediac, New Brunswick, in the aftermath of Storm Fiona, September 24, 2022 © Reuters/Greg Locke

An unusually powerful storm

Experts warn that Fiona could be the strongest storm to hit Canada, even comparing it to the devastating effects of Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

The authorities have encouraged citizens to stay in safe places and avoid traveling on public roads, where they are most vulnerable.

The Canadian Hurricane Center warned that Fiona was the lowest pressure hurricane at landfall in the country’s history, which means that the intensity of cyclonic activity is increasing.

A house in Sydney, Nova Scotia is damaged after a tree fell as Hurricane Fiona became a post-tropical cyclone as it made landfall in Canada, September 24, 2022.
A house in Sydney, Nova Scotia is damaged after a tree fell as Hurricane Fiona became a post-tropical cyclone as it made landfall in Canada, September 24, 2022. © AP/Vaughan Mechant

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston requested military and disaster assistance from the federal government, prompting Trudeau’s immediate response.

“Our government remains alert to support the provinces with whatever resources are necessary,” assured the Prime Minister.

So far, despite the ferocity of the phenomenon, no fatalities have been recorded.

with AP



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