Helicopter Support in Place for Southwest Coast as Marine Atlantic Diverts Operations to Argentia - VOCM

The Premier’s primary profession came into play yesterday as he toured the flood-ravaged southwest coast by helicopter.

The TCH in the Codroy Valley has been ripped apart in several places, leaving residents there cut off from the rest of the region including Port aux Basques, the nearest service centre.

Andrew Furey is a surgeon and while he didn’t practice his profession, a person in Doyles is thankful today after being transported to hospital via the chopper carrying the Premier and other officials.

The Premier says they have aircraft ready for use in emergencies and to get supplies to the areas cut off by the washouts.

The province has also reached out to the federal government about acquiring more aircraft should the need arise.

Furey says crews are working through the overnight hours to repair the washouts as quickly as possible. He expects it will be a week or so before the TCH reopens.

Marine Atlantic has begun moving commercial traffic across the Gulf and into Argentia with the first boat arriving this morning. Company spokesman Darrell Mercer says the secondary port does present some issues as it can only accommodate one level of traffic. Port aux Basques can handle two levels.

Mercer says they are giving priority to units with essential goods such as propane and medical supplies.

He says that will present some challenges for some customers such as those with motorhomes. Every time one of those goes on, there’s a commercial unit with supplies that cannot get on.

⚠ Public Advisory: Assistance Inquiries Line Established ⚠

To help prioritize the emergency needs of southwest coast residents, an assistance inquiries line has been activated to log calls and provide information as required.

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— Justice and Public Safety NL (@JPS_GovNL) November 26, 2021

Meanwhile, government has set up an “assistance inquiries line” to log calls and provide information as required. Residents on the southwest coast who have questions can call 1-833-885-0385 between 8:30 am and 4:30 p.m.

Persons with non-urgent medical concerns may call Western Health’s Client Relations office at 1-833-784-6802 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. until November 29.

Anyone with immediate life safety concerns should call 911.

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Helicopter Support in Place for Southwest Coast as Marine Atlantic Diverts Operations to Argentia - VOCM
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