N.B. cleans up after destructive storms

Three intense storms forced hundreds of New Brunswickers from their homes and wreaked millions of dollars worth of damage in December.

Storm surges, floods and high winds all took direct aim at communities across the north shore, eastern New Brunswick and parts of the province's southern and western corners.

The north shore village of Charlo was hit by storm surge on Dec. 6, forcing homes and cottages to be evacuated.

Days of intense rain caused flash floods in many southern and western New Brunswick communities, causing particular ruin in communities such as Bonny River and Zealand.

About a week later, New Brunswick residents in coastal areas of New Brunswick were batted by a storm surge of roughly three metres.

After touring the flood damage in southern New Brunswick, Premier David Alward said the destruction was "beyond imagination."

At the height of the southern floods, Bonny River was completely cut off as all roads leading into the community were covered with water.

Two well-known provincial tourist attractions, Parlee Beach and the Bouctouche dune, endured significant damage during the storm surges.

Early estimates from the New Brunswick government have pegged the damage at roughly $50 million.

The federal government has extended an offer to help the New Brunswick government with disaster relief assistance.

As well, the series of storms have prompted an outpouring of support.

National charities, such as the Canadian Red Cross,have come down to help out and University of New Brunswick students are also trying to raise funds to help people in the flood-stricken areas.

New Brunswick's Emergency Measures Organization has held public meetings explaining what types of disaster assistance residents can qualify for as they try to clean up after the storms.

• News stories by day