Cold snap fallout: more people displaced in HRM (update)

Fires and burst pipes displaced over 60 people total across the Maritimes

CityNews Halifax Staff

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Over 60 people in different maritime communities have been displaced from their homes—the fallout of extreme cold weather.

The low temperatures and harsh winds lead to fires and burst pipes across the east coast.

In Halifax, three people were evacuated due to burst pipes in an apartment of a four-storey building on Sylvia Avenue. In Dartmouth three adults were helped after being evacuated due to water damage from burst pipes in two apartments of a six-storey complex on Nova Court.

Many more in Nova Scotia have been displaced.

In Amherst, two adults were displaced from a mobile home along Woodlawn Drive that was heavily damaged by fire after a propane torch was used to thaw frozen water pipes.

In Truro, water damage and safety concerns from burst pipes forced the evacuation of a 22-unit condominium complex on Willow Street. Most residents made their own arrangements like staying with relatives or friends but Red Cross volunteers assisted one person with emergency lodging.

In Higginsville near Middle Musquodoboit, Nova Scotia, a retired couple’s house was destroyed by a fire.

Near River John, in Pictou County, a family of five was displaced by a house fire.

Similar events are affecting New Brunswick, with people displaced in Notre-Dame, Saint John and Moncton. Two people have also been displaced in Charlottetown PEI due to burst pipes.

Across the Maritimes, thirty-nine people are being helped by Canadian Red Cross volunteers with emergency lodging and meals, and in some cases with urgent purchases of clothing and some other basic needs.

Extreme cold warnings were in effect across the Maritimes Saturday, with wind chill temperatures diving bellow -40C.