Disaster relief for December flooding announced

The provincial government has announced a disaster financial assistance program to help "ease the burden" for property owners, small businesses and municipalities affected by heavy rainfall last December.

The announcement comes as the northwestern village of Perth-Andover remains under a local state-of-emergency order due to the threat of potential flooding, and several other areas of the province have reached flood watch or advisory levels.

A nor-easter that began Dec. 9 brought 200 mm of rain to the province over a three-day period, causing localized flooding and about $7 million worth of damage, mainly in the southeastern part of the province.

"Our government understands how difficult it can be for residents, small business owners and municipalities to recover from these types of severe storms," Public Safety Minister Stephen Horsman said in a statement.

Homeowners and small business owners whose damage isn't covered by insurance can apply to the department's Emergency Measures Organization for help, said Horsman.

There's a deductible of $1,000 for homeowners and $5,000 for businesses, he said.

The deadline to apply is July 17.