PEI Premier Dennis King (Photo: Government of PEI)
There is tragic news out of PEI as a result of post-tropical storm Fiona.
It was confirmed during a news conference Sunday that at least one person in PEI has died following the historic storm.
The cause of death is yet to be determined, but it’s believed issues with a generator may have played a role.
PEI Premier Dennis King says provincial crews, community organizations and partner agencies like Maritime Electric are travelling across the Island to begin initial damage assessments to roads and critical infrastructure.
King adds they requested assistance for recovery and cleanup from the federal government and received confirmation that over 100 military personnel will arrive on Sunday night. “They will be on the ground assisting our crews by Monday morning.”
Over 30 reception centres have opened across the province for those in need. As of 6:30 pm, there were still over 81, 000 Maritime Electric customers without power.
Maritime Electric couldn’t give an exact timeline as to when power will be restored because assessments are still being done. “It’s going to have to be a day-to-day update,” says Kim Grifin, Spokesperson for Maritime Electric.
Griffin adds, that there are 69 Maritime Electric crews on the road currently and by Wednesday there will be 107, which is double what they had for Hurricane Dorian.
Premier King stated this was more of a wind event for PEI.
Recorded top sustained winds from the storm in the province reached 149 km/h in East Point.
Many gas stations remain closed due to power outages and damages from Fiona.
“One thing we know is that the magnitude and the severity of the damage is beyond anything that we’ve seen in our province’s history. Efforts are underway, but this will take a Herculean effort by 1000s of people over the coming days and weeks. And as I say it will take time, “King says.
The Premier also noted how Islanders have been performing tremendous acts of community spirits of neighbours helping neighbours, complete strangers stopping in to check on people and to help them clear their driveways.
“This is exactly what our province is all about,” King says. “The generosity, the kindness of rallying together when we need to work together. Islanders have always been known to band together. And this is one more difficult time that we need this more than ever.”
King also says the province is working on an urgent financial assistance package, that is currently in its preliminary stages.
Six schools were damaged as a result of Fiona. As a result, all schools in the English and French school boards will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday of this week, September 26 and 27.
Officials continue to assess any impacts from the storm on school properties.
King estimates this will be the biggest recovery project ever for PEI, “What the final financial tally will be, I don’t know, but it will be significant.”
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