N.L. government can't say when roads washed out by storm will be fixed

Government officials can't say when theroads damagedby an unprecedented rainstorm pounding southwestern Newfoundland will be fixed, as the rain continues to fall Wednesday afternoon.

"This is not a 48-hour fix," said Transportation Minister Elvis Loveless at an afternoon media conference. "This is a big storm. We know that. But our crews are ready."

The department has reported washouts at four locations across the Trans-Canada Highway, along with roads in the Codroy Valley, Channel-Port aux Basques and the surrounding area.

Furey told CBC'sPower & Politicsabout 5,000 people are isolated and have been cut off from the rest of Newfoundlandby thewashouts.

Crews are also watching rising water levels in the Rose Blanche area of the province, along with Grand Bay Bridge in Port aux Basques.

Repairs can begin once the province has an idea of the full situation, and Loveless saidthe damagedTrans-Canada Highway is the top priority.

Premier AndrewFurey said the storm is an evolving situation, and the full extent of damage is unknown.

But he did say the provincehas helicopters that can transport people out of the Port aux Basques region if necessary, as roads in and around the community have been washed out.

WATCH:Andrew Furey shares the latest on the storm withCBC'sPower & Politics:

N.L premier says 'worst' of major storm 'isn't over just yet'

3 years ago

Duration 9:31

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey joins Power & Politics to discuss how a major storm is affecting his province.

Crews have been working throughout the day to assess the damage, with Furey encouragingpeople to stay home and off of the roads so crews can work effectively.

"We're taking this storm very seriously, and we need you to take this seriously," Furey said.

Contingency plan in place for supplies: Furey

The provinceis also working with Marine Atlantic, whichoperates the ferry a vital link bringing food and other supplies into Port aux Basques to ensure a safe return to operations.

Furey said Marine Atlantic does have a contingency plan involving the ferry port in Argentia, and a decision to divert supplies to the port could be made if needed.

Watch the full update here:

"Once you get the cargo and people here, right now the road is the issue," said Industry Minister Andrew Parsons said.

Furey said they're not worried about supplies in the province yet, adding the federal government and the Red Cross are ready to help when needed.

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