Today marks four years since Hurricane Fiona slammed into the southwest coast of the island, causing widespread destruction and claiming the life of 70-year-old Thelma Leaman, whose home was pulled into the water by powerful storm surge.
The storm struck the area hard, destroying or heavily damaging some 150 homes.
(R. Roy / Wreckhouse Press Inc)
Area MHA Michael King says it’s a somber time for the town of Port aux Basques as they remember what was lost.
“We still think about that,” King told VOCM Open Line with Brian Callahan. “We’re thinking of the friends and family of the individual who was lost here. She was a valued member of the community.”
“That event certainly changed our community forever,” says King, but the people of the region are resilient.
King says despite the destruction, he recalls the way in which people came together to do what they could to help.
“I was here in the district, and everybody just came together…in true Newfoundland and Labrador fashion, put up their hands and said ‘how can we help? How can we be there to support you?'”
Photo via Newfoundland Power on Twitter
