Que. residents still on flood watch

Several towns in Quebec's Montrgie region, south of Montreal, are overrun by flood waters, and many residents are heading for higher ground.

In the small community of Saint-Anne-de-Sabrevois, some 200 homes were flooded and six roads were under water Thursday.

The town's community centre has also been made available for people who have left their homesto gatherand use the facilities.

This is thesecond time this week that the Richelieu River has breached its banks.

Mayor Clment Couture said he was informing residents that the provincial government will offer financial compensation to flood victims.

"We are touring the place, advising people to take pictures and write down all the difficulties so they will remember," Couture said.

Quebec's Public Security Minister Robert Dutiltoured some of theareas affected by flooding Thursday, reiteratingthe promise for compensation.

Heavy rains swelled the water levels of Lake Champlain, and winds have been pushing the extra water into the tributary river.

On Thursday morning, the situation was stable in the Eastern Townships, southeast of the Montrgie, although the water levels in the Coaticook, Saint-Franois and Salmon Rivers remained high.

Officials continue to keep an eye on the situation with more rain and possible thunderstorms in the forecast; Quebec provincial police and the Red Cross remain on stand-by.