April 17, 2009
Flood Media Bulletin #30
Pembina River
· The forecast for the Pembina River has been updated based on new information on river levels and flows. The river is expected to crest higher than in 2006, as forecasted several weeks ago. The crest is expected at La Rivière late tonight and at Windygates early Sunday. Diking is underway at the Holiday Mountain Resort at La Rivière and North Dakota officials have been advised of the high crest. The Pembina River is being closely monitored along the international boundary, where some overflows could occur by early next week.
Flood Response
· Dikes in Melita are being topped up on the north and south sides to prepare for the rising Souris River. Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation is managing the construction of the dikes in partnership with the community. A super sandbag dike has been constructed on the south shoulder of PTH 3. A town hall meeting was held in Melita last night to review plans for flood protection.
· Partial ring dike closures are being finalized at Niverville and Gretna. Partial closures are in place at Emerson, Dominion City, Letellier, Roseau River, St. Jean Baptiste, Morris, Rosenort, Aubigny, Grande Pointe, Brunkild, Ste. Agathe and St. Adolphe. Riverside is fully closed. All ring dikes along the valley are being carefully monitored. Dikes at Morris and Aubigny may be topped up again today.
· There is still considerable water in the Interlake area with approximately 46 municipal roads and 31 minor culverts washed out. Overland flooding is still an ongoing issue.
· Ice has moved through the Fisher and Icelandic rivers. Dikes are being monitored between Arborg and Riverton.
· There has been damage to homes and property at Peguis and Fisher River First Nations.
· A trailer with flood tubes will be sent to the RM of Morris and another will be sent to the RM of Ritchot.
· One individual has been charged for moving barriers across closed roads in the Breezy Point area. Roads are closed to protect public safety and the barriers must be respected.
· A substantial number of provincial highways and roads have been impacted by flooding. Road conditions are changing quickly. Check highway conditions before travelling at www.manitoba.ca or call 204-945-3704 or 1-877-627-6237.
· There are three Flood Liaison Offices in operation. They are open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and are located in Winnipeg (945-2354), Morris (204-746-7325) and Brandon
(204-729-1220).
(204-729-1220).
Evacuations
· So far, 654 people have registered with the Red Cross Family Reunification Line. A reception centre has been set up in Winnipeg at the Century Arena at 1377 Clarence Ave. Where possible, evacuees are encouraged to stay with family and friends. Those evacuated from their communities and not requiring emergency lodging or immediate financial assistance, can register by calling the Canadian Red Cross Registration and Family Reunification line at 1-888-662-3211. The reception centre is hosted by the City of Winnipeg, in collaboration with its partners: the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Manitoba Family Services and Housing, Canadian Red Cross Society, Salvation Army and St. John Ambulance.
Well-water Caution – Province Will Cover Costs of Testing
· Residents in areas affected by flooding who are using well water are advised to boil all well water before consuming it or to use a safe alternative such as bottled water until test results confirm the bacterial safety of the water. Well-water sampling should occur after flooding has subsided. The province normally covers 70 per cent of such bacterial water testing but, under the current circumstances, well owners’ 30 per cent share is being waived for the flooded areas for a period of up to three months after flood waters recede.
Flood information is available at www.manitoba.ca.
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