Manitoba First Nation declares emergency as Assiniboine River expected to crest

Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, located about 40 kilometres west of Brandon, declared a state of emergency on Saturday as concerns mount over rising floodwaters in the western Manitoba community.

Chief Jennifer Bone said emergency management staff are monitoring water levels and weather forecasts while keeping regular communication with provincial and federal governments. The ground is already saturated with water in flood-prone areas near the Assiniboine River, and the water is expected to crest on July 9.

While no mandatory evacuation order is in place as of Sunday, nearly 190 residents living in flood-prone areas have been asked to prepare for possible evacuation. The community has an on-reserve population of about 1,300 people. "At this time, there's no evacuation order in place. It's just about preparedness. And if conditions happen to change rapidly, our community members will receive official information immediately," Bone said.

Residents in at-risk areas received notices on Friday, and sandbags have been piling up around homes. Community members asked to prepare for evacuation have been instructed to pack clothing, medication, and necessary personal items to last at least three days. Important documents like ID, health cards, and insurance information should be gathered in waterproof containers, and vehicles should be fuelled and ready to leave if needed.

Local emergency management staff are preparing transportation, reception, and emergency support services in case they're needed. Anyone requiring help evacuating can make arrangements with the local health centre. "There's no immediate cause right now for panic," Bone said. "That is intended to ensure that we are prepared and able to respond quickly if the conditions happen to change rapidly within our community."