A number of expressions come to mind in connection with what happened in
Lac-Mégantic during the night of July 6: disaster, nightmare, and so on. A freight train loaded with crude oil derailed in the downtown area, leading to a series of explosions and a major fire. Jacques Mayrand was evacuated with his family from their house on Dollard Street; as he puts it, “One word I might use to describe the situation is ‘apocalyptic’”.
In the immediate hours following the disaster, in support of the public authorities and at the municipality’s request, the Red Cross opened a shelter for evacuees. As Jacques says, “Once the centre was open, my family and I felt safer.”
At the centre run by the Red Cross, 75 volunteers from all over Quebec are working together to provide round-the-clock service. All the essential needs of the evacuees, like Jacques and his family, are taken care of: meals, clothing, personal care items and a place to sleep. Jacques does not know when he will be able to return to his home, and the more time passes, the harder it becomes. One thing for sure is that the Red Cross will be there for him and all the other evacuees for as long as it takes.
To help with our efforts, please
donate to the Lac Mégantic fund.