Authorities Work to Keep Meat Cove Safe, Restore Access

EMO Nova Scotia along with Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, RCMP, and local emergency managers are in Meat Cove putting plans in place to address the damage and safety concerns caused by severe weather today, Aug. 22.

Heavy rain overnight in the Meat Cove area caused damage to access bridges and roads limiting access to the community.

"The ongoing safety of residents and campers is our focus," said Ramona Jennex, Minister Responsible for Emergency Management. "Plans are in place to ensure those in the area remain safe and have access to emergency medical care if needed."

The Salmon River Bridge and Bay Saint Lawrence Road are closed.

Residents and those visiting the area are advised to stay put until further notice. If emergency medical assistance is required, call 911 and RCMP will implement plans to respond. Air assistance is available as weather permits. Water transport is also standing by if required for emergency medical assistance.

"I want to assure residents and visitors to the area, that we are working to repair damage as quickly as possible," said Sterling Belliveau, acting Minister of Transportation and Infrastructural Renewal. "TIR representatives have been on scene all day conducting initial assessments. Structural engineers will review the damage Monday."

Additional assistance will be provided to those affected on Monday, Aug. 23. Emergency managers and authorities, and EMO are prepared to provide any assistance necessary overnight and until local access routes are accessible.

Those not living in the immediate area are asked to keep roads clear to assist emergency managers are they work to assess the damage.

Emergencies can happen anytime, often with little or no warning. Nova Scotians are reminded that it is important to have an emergency kit and an emergency plan at all times.