NB announces financial aid package in response to Fiona

As residents of southeastern New Brunswick begin to clean up the devastating damage caused by post-tropical storm Fiona, the provincial government has announced new funding for those hardest hit.

The Disaster Financial Assistance program will be available to individuals, small businesses, non-profit organizations and municipalities who have suffered property damage at the hands of Fiona.

According to a press release, the aid is only intended to provide relief for « eligible damages and losses that threaten health and safety », but is not a substitute for insurance.

Property damage reporting can be done online or by phone at 1-888-298-8555 between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

The reports will help the province assess the damage inflicted by Fiona and begin to recover. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2023.

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Hurricane Fiona devastates Atlantic Canada

While Fiona has devastated coastal communities, disaster financial assistance will not apply to camps, cabins, boats, automobiles and trailers. Only the basic costs of essential items will be covered.

The province has not revealed how much money will be allocated to the program, but the costs will be shared with the federal government.

Over the weekend, Fiona hit the area, primarily affecting communities near Shediac and Greater Moncton, leaving thousands of people without power.

According to NB Power, as of 5 p.m. Monday, more than 7,000 customers remained in the dark.

The statement said up to 17 bridges and roads were closed because of Fiona, but as of 5 p.m. Sunday only three roads had yet to reopen.