A Manitoba community declared a local state of emergency on Thursday morning due to fears of flooding and the potential for evacuation.
In a press release, Moncalm’s RM said the local state of emergency would remain in effect until May 28, 2022.
It notes that there are 16 houses on the way to St. Mary’s that may need to be evacuated. Potential evacuees have been notified of the situation and accommodation is being arranged.
Mark Sawadski, whose home is among 16 in a state of emergency evacuation, is preparing with the expectation that the road in front of his house will soon be washed away as the flooded Red River creeps behind.
“I think we will probably lose access here in a few days. That’s it, “he said.
Paul Gilmore, head of Moncalm’s RM, said the main concern for these residents is that they will have no way to leave their properties.
“We want to ensure that our residents are safe and secure,” Gilmore said.
In St. Jean-Baptiste, the ring dike is partially closed in the city center. In Morris’s RM, nine roads were blocked as she also declared a state of emergency.
But all eyes are on Highway 75 in Maurice, as local authorities believe the road closure is inevitable to protect the city.
“Certainly based on the weather forecast this weekend, I think this is a guarantee that it will be closed,” said Ralph Groening, head of Maurice’s RM.
Maurice Mayor Scott Crick said he also suggested the road would be closed sometime between Friday and Monday.
This may be a headache for truck drivers, but there is a new short detour around part of Maurice. However, the truck association is worried that if flood levels reach 2011 levels, this detour may not last, forcing truck drivers to take much longer.
“According to our math, this rough price for an average truck is currently between $ 250 and $ 300 per trip,” said Aaron Dolinyuk, executive director of the Manitoba Truck Association.
The shutdown of Highway 75 will also be felt by local companies that rely on traffic.
“The message we had for our citizens is to make every effort to make sure we support local businesses at this time,” Crick said.
Back in Moncalm’s RM, Sawadski said he had enough food and supplies and was now hiding.
“We will stay. “There’s something romantic about island camping, if you will,” he said.
Pumping activities are taking place in some areas, and the ring dike at the approach of the old bridge in Saint-Jean-Baptiste is closed. A station for filling sandbags has opened in the RM of the Montcalm store, located at the southern end of St. Jean Baptiste.
A complete list of closed roads in the community can be found online.
The teams will continue to monitor water levels and provide up-to-date information on the situation.
Residents of Moncalm are reminded not to travel on water-covered roads. Those who have flood damage in their homes should check their insurance coverage. If they do not have flood insurance, they must complete a Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) application form.
RM noted that the amount of rain it receives this weekend will affect the situation.
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