Nearly 2,000 people evacuated due to flooding as more rain expected for Manitoba

Mandatory evacuations continue in Southern Manitoba, as heavy rains fall in the region, making precarious flood conditions even worse.

The precipitation in regions that are already saturated, is causing washed-out roads and overland flooding and forcing people from their homes.

In Peguis First Nation, 180 kilometres north of Winnipeg, flooding is expected to worsen in areas where water had receded, officials are projecting water could rise almost a foot in some areas.

“The amount of rain that we are expecting will cause an impact and just make things generally worse,” said Natalie Hasell, Warning Preparedness Meteorologist.

Hassell says between 20-30mm of rain is expected to hit parts of Manitoba, with the potential for thunderstorms – causing heavier downpours in some regions.

“So, considering we are already in a precarious situation and we are adding 20-30mm more, any additional precipitation will certainly make things extremely difficult,” said Hasell.

Henry Travers is an Elder from Jackhead first nation about 3 hours North of Winnipeg. He desperately wants to return home.

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Overland flooding forced evacuations of elders and people who have underlying health conditions after their community was cut off from road access. Travers says watching the rain come down is causing additional stress for him and others who have been living in hotel rooms for over a week. The rain eroding hope that they will get home soon.

“Well with this rain we don’t know, we can’t say, we can’t predict, I don’t know how long it’s going to be,” explained Travers.

Travers tried driving home over the weekend before the rain started, but floodwaters forced him to turn around.

The Red Cross tells CityNews that currently, around 1,800 people have been evacuated to Winnipeg due to flooding. This rainfall contributes to already saturated soils. Hasell says April precipitation amounts are far higher than normal.

“Winnipeg’s climate station reported 118 mils of liquid-equivalent precipitation in April, and if we look at what April normally sees, April normally sees 30.”

The Manitoba government is providing some relief as Monday they announced they will provide disaster financial assistance to qualifying individuals who experienced damage to their homes or business due to floodwaters. More rain is in the forecast for later this week.