Archived News Releases

July 24, 2014

Flood Response

• The Manitoba government, municipalities and other partners continue to work together on flood recovery efforts in western Manitoba.
• Early estimates indicate that flood response and repairs will exceed $200 million.  This does not include agricultural losses as they continue to be assessed.
• The provincial state of emergency continues for areas around the Lake St. Martin Channel and along the lower Assiniboine River including the town and Rural Municipality (RM) of Portage la Prairie and the RMs of St. François Xavier, Headingley, Cartier, Macdonald and Grey.
• As of July 23, approximately 54 people remain evacuated as a result of summer flooding.
• As of July 23, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada reported a total of
  505 evacuees from First Nation communities affected by all flooding events in 2014.
• Manitobans affected by flooding can get more information on clean up, mold remediation,
  well-water safety and other issues in After the Flood: What to do when floodwaters recede,which is available at www.gov.mb.ca/flooding.

Assiniboine River – Portage Diversion

• This morning, flows on the Portage Diversion are approximately 16,250 cfs, reduced to less than half of the 33,000 cfs seen last week during peak flows.
• Flows on the Assiniboine River dikes between Portage la Prairie and Headingley are 15,000 cfs, down from 18,000 cfs last week.
• Provincial crews are working with the RM of Portage la Prairie to remove flood protection at the Hoop and Holler Bend and surrounding area.

Lake Manitoba

• Lake Manitoba is forecast to peak at 814.8 feet by early August. 
• The Lake St. Martin Emergency Outlet Channel is expected to stay open until the spring of 2015 and will help bring the Lake St. Martin water level to approximately 802 ft. by late November 2014.
• The Fairford River Water Control Structure continues to be operated for the most discharge possible.  Outflows are forecast to reach approximately 15,800 cfs when Lake Manitoba reaches peak levels.
• Lake Manitoba is currently approximately 1.1 ft. below unregulated levels (the levels that would have occurred with no provincial water control infrastructure) because of high outflows through the Fairford River Water Control Structure.
• Maps have been prepared for possible flood scenarios on Lake Manitoba and can be found at:  www.gov.mb.ca/mit/floodinfo/floodoutlook/watersheds_data_maps.html.

Disaster Financial Assistance

• To date, the province has received nearly 600 private applications for Disaster Financial Assistance and another 35 applications from municipalities and other groups.  
• A temporary Disaster Financial Assistance Recovery Office will remain open in Brandon until Friday, July 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  It is located at 1601 Van Horne Ave. E., with access from the south entrance.  Staff will answer inquiries and take applications.
• Application forms and further details about the disaster financial assistance program are available through the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization online at www.manitobaemo.ca, or by calling 204‑945‑3050 in Winnipeg or 1-888-267-8298 (toll-free).  Applications are also available at most municipal offices.

Stress and Anxiety Resources

• The scale and scope of the summer flood is very challenging for affected Manitoba families.  There are resources to help deal with the stress and anxiety that result from crisis situations.
• Resources are available at www.gov.mb.ca/flooding/managing_stress.html. 

Road Information

• Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation reports sections of many provincial and municipal roads in western Manitoba have closed or marked with caution due to flooding.
• There has been considerable damage to bridges and culverts.  Repair work is already underway. More than 30 structures will need to be replaced and another 50 will require repairs.
• Drivers are reminded to assume bridges may be damaged on all roads.  Reduce speed and restrict weight to 10 tonnes.  Drive with caution and obey road closed signs.
• For current highway conditions, call 511, visit www.manitoba.ca, www.mb511.ca or follow the Twitter account at www.twitter.com/MBGovRoads.

Up-to-date flood information can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/flooding/, on mobile devices at www.manitoba.ca or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGov.

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