Swan River lifts mandatory evacuation order as floodwater recedes

Swan River lifted a mandatory evacuation order for residents of flooded homes Saturday, while the military and volunteers from a disaster aid organization prepare to join the response.

Mayor Lance Jacobson welcomed the federal government’s announcement, which came late Friday night, that personnel were being deployed to the Parkland region, following an official request from the Manitoba government.

“This is something we were asking for on Wednesday, and it takes time to mobilize, but we’re pretty happy to hear that,” Jacobson said early Saturday afternoon, when he did not yet have a timeline for the military’s arrival.

Team Rubicon Canada had a liaison officer in the region Saturday to better understand the situation before the arrival of additional volunteers.

Cleanup efforts were ramping up after water levels receded and the mandatory evacuation order was lifted.

“There is going to be a significant amount of cleanup that needs to be done, anywhere from cleaning basements to debris and tree clearances, and also infrastructure such as roads and storm sewer systems that need to be evaluated,” Jacobson said.

Jacobson said the Swan River was about 0.7 metres (2.3 feet) lower than the flood peak as of Saturday morning.

“Things are moving along here now, as the water has receded significantly,” he said.

Evacuee Sevanna Delaronde, whose house flooded, said a lot of work lies ahead for homeowners. While their home was no longer surrounded by the river, water continued to enter her and her partner’s basement Saturday.

“The lift stations aren’t able to keep up, so it’s still coming in through the pipes — the toilet, the shower,” Delaronde said. “We’re pumping out what’s coming in, just trying to keep it at bay.”

The couple cleared personal belongings from the basement, and started ripping out damaged components, including drywall and insulation.

“Just driving around the neighbourhood this afternoon, you were able to see other people still having their pumps flowing, so they have the same issue,” Delaronde said. “They’re all cleaning out their basements as well because front lawns are full of what look like wet, soggy messes.”

Delaronde hailed Parkland residents, volunteers, aid organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross and others who’ve supported flood victims with donations, meals and other essentials.

Another round of heavy rain was possible in flood-affected communities Saturday. Environment and Climate Change Canada said conditions were favourable for severe thunderstorms that could also produce strong wind gusts and large hail in the afternoon and evening.

Up to 60 millimetres of rain was possible in some areas.

While some communities cleaned up, others braced for rising water levels. The Town of Minnedosa and Sioux Valley Dakota Nation put out calls for volunteers to help sandbag vulnerable areas.

The City of Brandon built a temporary dike at Grand Valley Road and 18th Street ahead of the Assiniboine River’s peak, which is expected around July 12.

In Swan River, returning evacuees were told to be cautious because significant hazards remained in the flood zone. Some properties still had standing and moving floodwater Saturday.

The town estimated 150 to 200 homes flooded after heavy rains caused the Swan River to overflow and rapidly rise late Tuesday and early Wednesday.

“A few people phoned me to say they were really happy they were able to get back in,” Jacobson said. “They had some other questions obviously, but most people right now, what’s on their minds is to get into their homes and get the pumps pumping water out of their basements and start to clean up. It’s a long process.”

Federal Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski announced Friday night a small team of Canadian Armed Forces members is being sent to western Manitoba’s Parkland region to provide logistical assistance, resource co-ordination and the assessment of ongoing response needs in the “immediate” term.

Volunteers from Team Rubicon Canada, a veteran-led disaster response organization, were also being deployed to the region.

“They will provide direct assistance on the ground with initial recovery work,” Olszewski said in a statement.

The federal government is also making incident response personnel available and providing disaster financial assistance.

Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor welcomed federal aid, which was requested by Premier Wab Kinew on Wednesday.

“In the days ahead, Team Rubicon, made up of veterans and former first responders, and members from Canadian Armed Forces, will be on the ground helping with clean up and assisting with whatever else is needed,” Naylor said in a statement Saturday.

“This is important support, and more help is on the way as we continue working with all levels of government to make sure Manitobans have the resources they need to recover.”

The Manitoba Emergency Management Organization is providing water pumps for residents who do not have their own, Jacobson said. Cleaning supplies are available at a donation centre in the town to help flood victims in Swan Valley and surrounding areas sanitize their homes.

Swan River, Dauphin, Minitonas and other Parkland communities were inundated when heavy rains caused widespread flooding over Canada Day. Some were hit by flooding for the second time in less than a month.

Dozens of cottagers and campers were stranded in Duck Mountain Provincial Park after roads washed out.

While road repairs continued, Manitoba Parks allowed campers and cottagers at Childs, Wellman and Blue lakes to leave in an escorted convoy during a two-hour window Saturday.

The temporary route was then closed again to allow construction work to continue. It may remain closed for at least a week.

“Those who choose not to leave must be prepared to continue sheltering in place and have sufficient medication, food and supplies for at least one week,” Manitoba Parks said in a statement.

Singush Lake cottagers must continue to shelter in place because road washouts on both sides of the lake along Provincial Road 367 prevent safe travel, the statement said.

chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca