Sioux Valley Dakota Nation declares state of emergency over rising floodwaters

Sioux Valley Dakota Nation declares state of emergency over rising floodwaters

Nearly 190 residents of the western Manitoba community were asked to prepare for evacuation, chief says

Sioux Valley Dakota Nation has declared a state of emergency on Saturday as concerns swell over rising floodwaters in the western Manitoba community and surrounding areas.

Chief Jennifer Bone says emergency management staff in the First Nation — located about 40 kilometres west of Brandon — are monitoring water levels and weather forecasts, while keeping in regular communication with the provincial and federal governments.

The chief said the ground is already saturated with water in some flood-prone parts of the community near the Assiniboine River. The water is expected to crest on July 9, she said.

While the community is not under a mandatory evacuation order as of Sunday, Bone says nearly 190 residents who live in flood-prone areas have been asked to prepare in case they need to leave.

Sioux Valley has an on-reserve population of about 1,300 people.

"At this time, there's no evacuation order in place. It's just about, you know, preparedness. And if conditions happen to change rapidly, our community members will receive official information immediately," Bone said.

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Residents in areas at risk of flooding received notices on Friday and sandbags have since been piling up around homes there.

"We've had sandbagging all day yesterday and today," Bone said on Sunday.

Community members who got evacuation standby notices have been asked to prepare for changing conditions by packing enough clothing, medication and necessary personal items to last at least three days, according to a news release from Sioux Valley leadership.

Important documents like ID, health cards and insurance information should be gathered in a waterproof container. Vehicles should be fuelled up and ready to leave, if need be.

Local emergency management staff are preparing transportation, reception and emergency support services in case they're needed, Sioux Valley leadership said. Anyone who would require help evacuating can make arrangements with the local health centre.

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Community members should stay alert and follow emergency notices and instructions, leaders said. People should avoid flooded areas, like roads and waterways.

Bone said the First Nation is taking "proactive measures" ahead of possible flooding.

"There's no immediate cause right now for panic," she said.

"I know we declared a state of emergency late last evening, but that is intended to ensure that we are prepared and able to respond quickly if the conditions happen to change rapidly within our community."

Lauren Scott is a Winnipeg-based reporter with CBC Manitoba. They hold a master’s degree in computational and data journalism, and have previously worked for the Hamilton Spectator and The Canadian Press.