Flood victims will be able to turn to the provincial and federal governments for help after the St. John River recedes, says N.B. Premier Shawn Graham.

Graham told a press conference on Thursday that there will be disaster assistance available to New Brunswickers that will include a significant federal contribution.

"I want to assure you today that assistance will be available to help you recover," Graham said. "While our focus right now is ensuring that people will be safe and secure, our government is working on a recovery plan, and details will be provided once the flooding subsides."

The St. John River is causing widespread flooding in New Brunswick.

The province's Emergency Measures Organization has issued a major flood warning for all residents living along the river basin. The 673-kilometre river stretches from its headwaters in Maine to the port city of Saint John, draining 55,000 square kilometres of land.

The river was at 8.33 metres Thursday in Fredericton but was expected to begin receding by Friday. The flood level is 6.5 metres.

The waters are also moving downriver, with the Maugerville and Jemseg area expected to still be widely impacted by the floods.

Edmundston, in the northwestern part of the province, has also been impacted by the rising waters, with more than 40 families being evacuated from their homes.

Graham said he has spoken with Stephen Harper and that the prime minister has assured the support from the federal government.