The provincial minister responsible for Public Safety says officials are assessing the damage caused by devastating storm surge that gnawed away at coastal communities on the southwest and west coasts of the province.

Huge waves knocked down homes and other structures along the coastline in Port aux Basques, Burnt Islands and other communities along the southwest coast, washing some homes and buildings out to sea.

At least one woman is missing after her home was washed away. Another woman who was swept into the ocean when her house was pulled away by violent waves was rescued by area residents and taken to hospital.

Minister John Hogan says provincial and federal agencies will be available as needed.

He says the bulk of the assistance will be concentrated on cleaning up and meeting the needs of those displaced, which will be significant in the coming days.

The full scope of the damage suffered is still being assessed, but major infrastructure appears to be largely unaffected.

Some roads, bridges and causeways along the coast are not safe for travel, but major infrastructure, like health care facilities and the 911 emergency system are all up and running.

The MP for the Port aux Basques region, and Minister for Rural Economic Development, Gudie Hutchings says she has been in contact with Public Safety Minister Bill Blair about supports for the area.

She says DND, the Coast Guard and other federal departments are ready to help when called on.

Minister Jean-Philippe Champagne has also been in contact with the telecom providers to ensure communications are kept open.