The death toll from powerful thunderstorms in Canada’s two most populous provinces has risen to at least eight, authorities said on Sunday, as emergency services proceeded with massive clean-up efforts to restore power to half a million people.
The storms, which lasted more than two hours Saturday afternoon and packed tornado power, left a trail of destruction in parts of Ontario and Quebec. Wind gusts up to 132 km/h (82 mph) downed trees, uprooted utility poles and toppled many metal poles, utility companies said.
Electricity companies scrambled to restore transmission lines on Sunday. Most of the deaths from the storms occurred when people were hit by falling trees, authorities said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government stands ready to help those in need.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected and thanks to the crews who are working to restore power.” Trudeau tweeted Sunday.
Hydro One, Ontario’s largest power distribution company, said in a tweet on Sunday that crews were responding to significant damage. Environment Canada had issued mobile warnings of the severe thunderstorms.
Hydro One crews had powered more than 360,000 customers, with over 226,000 customers left without power, the company said in a statement late Sunday.
The recovery effort is expected to last several days before all customers are restored to power, the company said.