The only road into Meat Cove was washed out in the flash floods. (CBC)

The Nova Scotia government wants more than $4.5 million from Ottawa to help the storm-struck community of Meat Cove.

The small community at the northern tip of Cape Breton was hit with torrential rains on Aug. 21 and 22. Flash floods damaged several buildings and wiped out the only road into the community. Tourists were ferried out by boat.

The province estimates the cost of the evacuation and emergency repairs will top $7.2 million

Premier Darrell Dexter said Wednesday the province is applying to the federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements Program. This way, the federal government pays nearly 60 per cent of the eligible claims.

"We've put in place temporary measures to be able to ensure that there's access in and out of Meat Cove. But now it's time to look at the larger program for permanent improvements," said Dexter.

The damage estimates include:

• $6.9 million for provincial roads, bridges, culverts and other infrastructure.
• $200,000 for roads, a bridge, a slipway owned by Inverness County.
• $35,000 for a recreation centre and boardwalk owned by Meat Cove Development Corp.
• $65,000 for private homes and businesses.

People living in Victoria and Inverness counties north of Pleasant Bay and Neils Harbour can contact the Emergency Management Office to submit their claims.