Community cut off after flooding washes out roads in western Manitoba

Flooding that has washed out many roads and bridges in a section of western Manitoba has cut off one community from the outside world.

Bridges north and south of Mafeking have been severely damaged, which means none of the 130 residents can leave by road.

Robert Hanson, reeve of the Rural Municipality of Mountain, says the ambulance station has been closed because the ambulance is outside the community and cannot get back.

RELATED:

• Manitoba premier tours flood zones by air, but more areas hit with ‘Colorado Low’
• Manitoba exploring new investment for flood mitigation as aerial tour shows water receding in areas

Hanson says anyone needing medical care will have to be taken out by medical helicopter.

Heavy rain late last week combined with melting snow, which has caused rivers to surge.

Hanson says he and others in Mafeking may be able to leave in three days, when a bridge to the north is expected to reopen.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 16, 2022.