Send this page to someone via email

Ralph Goodale, Canadian minister of public safety and emergency preparedness, says the federal government and the Canadian Armed Forces will be helping Quebec officials combat flooding.

“Have just spoken to Quebec Public Safety Minister [Geneviève] Guilbault,” the minister tweeted Friday afternoon.

“Federal reply is, of course, yes.” Tweet This

Authorities believe the brunt of the flooding will begin Sunday, lasting longer than expected.

READ MORE: Expect flooding as heavy rain falls on Greater Montreal, says Environment Canada

The army, as well as federal and provincial officials, are currently figuring out where to deploy resources.

The risk of flooding is high, according to Environment Canada. The organization is estimating up to 60 mm of rain will fall in the Greater Montreal region alone by the end of the day Saturday.

Story continues below advertisement

READ MORE: Flooding, climate change force Quebecers to rethink relationship with water

“Rain, heavy at times, is expected,” the organization stated.

Guilbault is urging people in regions at risk of flooding not to take any chances and to follow the advice of civil security officials.

“My only priority is the safety of citizens,” Guilbault said. Tweet This

“I will spare no effort over the next few days to ensure the safety of citizens.”

Have just spoken to Quebec Public Safety Minister Guilbault. The provincial Government is requesting federal assistance to combat flooding. Federal reply is, of course, YES. @GGuilbaultCAQ — Ralph Goodale (@RalphGoodale) April 19, 2019

Several municipalities across the province are already preparing for potential flooding.

READ MORE: Quebec towns prepare for massive flooding as province urges residents to not take chances

The City of Rigaud is asking residents to be prepared to leave their homes. With water levels quickly rising, officials say they have launched emergency protocols.

“We are ready to act,” said Rigaud Mayor Hans Gruenwald. Tweet This

The latest data gathered by the city shows water levels could reach heights as intense as the devastating spring floods in 2017.

Vaudreuil-Dorion, just west of the Island of Montreal, has also put its emergency flood plan in motion.

Story continues below advertisement

WATCH BELOW: Montreal Fire Department on flood preparations

0:36 Montreal Fire Department on flood preparations Montreal Fire Department on flood preparations

In Montreal, city officials and the local fire department are going door to door in the northern Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough to ensure people are ready to act if flooding hits their area.

READ MORE: Rigaud launches emergency measures as Quebec cities, towns brace for flooding

In Laval, authorities are giving out sandbags to residents as water from the Rivière des Mille Îles begins to spill onto the streets.

In Beauceville, about 90 kilometres south of Quebec City, rising floodwaters from the Chaudière River have already forced dozens of people to leave their homes.

WATCH BELOW: Pierrefonds residents on high alert amid flooding concerns

1:50 Pierrefonds residents on high alert amid flooding concerns Pierrefonds residents on high alert amid flooding concerns