PRINCE ALBERT — With dozens of communities already cut off by washed-out roads, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) confirmed Monday that 15 local states of emergency are active across the province.
With peak floodwaters expected within the next four to six days for some river systems, more are expected.
“At this time, we have 15 that are active with the possibility of more coming in later today,” said SPSA Manager, Emergency Services Officers Tyler Harrison.
The flooding is driven by a late, rapid thaw and above-average snowpack.
The high flow advisory issued in late April remains in effect for a large area extending over northwestern Saskatchewan near Buffalo Narrows down to the southeastern area near Yorkton.
Flows on the Carrot River near Kinistino, Armley, Smoky Burn and Turnberry continue to rise with further increases expected. Current inflows in this system range from approximately a one in 25-year event near Smoky Burn to a one in 200-year event near Armley, said Leah Clark, executive director of Irrigation and Economic Development for SaskWater Security Agency.
Dozens isolated
Officials said emergency crews have been working to reach stranded residents. Twenty-two people were isolated in the R.M. of Invergordon due to flooding. While 15 chose to remain in their homes, said Harrison. The SPSA assisted in evacuating seven people.
The SPSA hasn’t received a request to support evacuations elsewhere.
Clark said in the R. M. of Aberdeen, a local emergency was declared on April 22. There are no changes in flooding status and the emergency services officer remains in the community. At Beardy's and Okemasis Cree Nation, conditions are stable and equipment is being picked up as it is no longer needed.
In the Village of Buchanan, flooding is currently under control, and in the village of Canwood water levels remain manageable at this time. In the town of Foam Lake, a local emergency was declared on April 21. Water has now receded and the situation has stabilized. But warmer weather may bring a second wave of flooding, so the community continues to monitor conditions closely.
In the R.M. of Invergordon, a state of emergency was declared on April 24 and remains in effect. In the R.M. of Meadow Lake, the emergency that was declared on April 21, was extended on April 27 and remains in place. As of late last night, only one area of concern remains and the overall water levels are manageable.
Check highway hotline
Sask. Minister of Highways Kim Gartner urged drivers to exercise extreme caution, saying that road conditions are changing rapidly.
“I'd like to encourage everyone to check the highway hotline before heading out. Let's make sure everyone's travelling safely.”
While the ministry couldn’t provide an immediate tally of damaged roads, Gardner said there are several locations across east-central and northern parts of the province either closed or with water over the pavement.
Dan Palmer, senior communications consultant with the Ministry of Highways, said that permanent repairs to damaged highways will be assessed once water recedes.
