Prince Edward Island is reporting at least one death following a historic storm that forced thousands into darkness and caused extensive damage across the island.
During a live news conference on Sunday, the province said, while the person’s cause of death has not yet been determined, a preliminary investigation suggests generator problems may have played a role.
No other details about the individual have been released at this time.
Nearly 36 hours after Post-Tropical Storm Fiona made landfall in the Maritimes, 95 percent of customers on Prince Edward Island are still without power.
PEI Premier Dennis King noted that more than 50 transport crew members have been surveying the damage since early Sunday morning. Additionally, General Electric is using helicopters for aerial assessments.
“Initial assessments say that overall our road infrastructure may have performed a little better than we initially thought, but there are considerable pockets of serious damage throughout Prince Edward Island,” King said.
There are currently six completely closed highways in PEI, as well as many other bridges that remain “completely impassable.” That’s on top of what King describes as “considerable damage” to at least six schools across the province.
King told reporters that the ministers are working on contingency plans for the affected schools. Meanwhile, schools will remain closed in PEI on Monday and Tuesday, with an additional update expected on Tuesday morning.
“Our government will do everything it can do as quickly as possible, for as long as it takes to help our province through these difficult situations,” King said.
On Saturday, the provincial government sent a request to the federal government to provide assistance with recovery and cleanup. Moments before the press, King said he received confirmation that more than 100 military personnel will arrive later Sunday night, hoping to help crews on the ground Monday morning.
Regarding the availability of gasoline, King pointed out that the Island does have fuel, but problems with electricity at the tank farm in Charlottetown have delayed the distribution of fuel to community gas stations.
King said the provincial cabinet has been meeting several times a day, where they have created three cabinet committees to address economic concerns, infrastructure and recovery, and social support for islanders.
Meanwhile, more than 30 reception centers have been opened across the province where residents can go for food, comfort or a place to charge electrical devices. Additionally, temporary shelter services will be extended through at least Tuesday.
According to King, the province is in the early stages of creating an urgent financial assistance program.
King also confirmed that the federal government is developing a plan to help rebuild docks and fishing infrastructure that sustained significant damage during Fiona.
“The magnitude and severity of the damage exceeds anything we have seen in the history of our province,” King said, noting that it will take a “Herculean effort” to restore PEI’s infrastructure in the coming weeks.
Speaking to reporters, PEI Deputy Premier Darlene Compton noted that the current priority for Maritime Electric is clearing the roads before crews can begin restoring power.
“I think it’s fair to say this is going to take days,” Compton said. “As the lines come back online, we have to have Maritime Electric crews with them to ensure everyone remains safe.”
Compton noted that health care facilities are operating, but some services may be suspended. The province has also reported an undisclosed number of fires, including at the Stanhope Golf Course and Country Club.
Civil service workers are expected to temporarily work from home while crews assess damage to government buildings. The provincial courts, the supreme courts and the court of appeals canceled the hearings on Monday.
A General Electric representative is urging residents to stay home in an effort to ration fuel.
“Without power and the inability to access fuel entirely, we don’t want you to fill up your gas tanks to drive around and see the damage when we really need to prioritize fuel for emergency response and essential services,” he said.