A flood threat has prompted the evacuation of the Roseau River First Nation, 100 kilometres south of Winnipeg. There are plans to relocate approximately 850 people. About 170 had left by Saturday afternoon, while the rest were expected to leave Sunday and Monday.
Flood co-ordinator Howard Nelson said the band council has determined the reserve could be cut off at any time. He's worried its permanent ring dike could breach, flooding the community in as little as 15 minutes.
"According to the water levels we've been getting, we probably will lose our remaining access on the east side, so we called a full evacuation," he said.
Across the province, more than 1,600 people have left their homes because of flooding or the threat of flooding. Many of the evacuees are First Nations residents.
The Red, Assiniboine and Souris rivers have overrun their banks in some places. Provincial officials say more than 600 roads are closed and there are states of emergency in 33 municipalities.
The flood fight along the Souris River is intensifying downstream of Melita, which is currently at crest.
Provincial flood officials say in the town of Souris, the Souris River and intersecting Plum Creek are likely to crest at the same time, which could be as soon as tomorrow. That would lead to water levels similar to the record- breaking flood of 1976. (read more)
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