Quebec premier expresses sympathy after loss of two firefighters

Quebec Premier François Legault expressed his sympathy Wednesday to residents of flood-hit towns during a visit to the Charlevoix region.

Legault told reporters in Baie St-Paul, northeast of Quebec City, that the most difficult part of the recent flooding has been the loss of two volunteer firefighters.

The two men were swept away by floodwaters not far from Baie St-Paul while attempting to rescue local residents.

Legault says the government will help citizens relocate, renovate damaged homes and replace furniture.

Earlier in the day he spoke with residents who said they were given five minutes to evacuate and that they had lost homes built by their grandparents.

The Public Security Department has said a half-dozen communities across the province have declared states of emergency due to flooding.