Flooding persists as western Manitoba communities recover from storm

Western Manitoba's Parkland region is grappling with persistent flooding as communities begin the arduous task of cleanup and recovery. Residents in some areas remain evacuated following intense storms that have dumped up to 119 mm of rain in just five days, far exceeding the usual 80 mm for the entire month of June.

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There will be a lot of damage. I know some people did save their homes in those areas. They were lucky enough. But there’s several homes that have not been so lucky.

Swan River has been particularly hard-hit, receiving approximately 107 mm of rain. While town officials noted that water levels had stabilized by Thursday afternoon, Mayor Lance Jacobson estimated that 150 people had been evacuated. He warned of extensive damage, with some homes lucky to be saved while others suffered significant losses. "These large downpours, this is what’s hurting us," Jacobson said, expressing concern about the potential for worsening conditions if more rain falls.

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These large downpours, this is what’s hurting us.

The provincial government has taken action, with Premier Wab Kinew announcing on Thursday that Manitoba had requested military assistance for Swan River. He anticipates a response within a day or two, emphasizing the ongoing need for equipment, sandbags, and resources for flood fighting, as well as the monumental task of cleanup and restoration ahead. Federal minister Eleanor Olszewski confirmed Ottawa received the request and is working with the province to assess needs and determine support.

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It is an active flood-fighting effort. So, to get equipment, sandbags, and resources into place is still a need as we’re speaking now.

The situation is particularly devastating for Swan River, as the community had not yet recovered from earlier flooding three weeks prior. Reeve Bill Gade described the current flooding as "so much worse" than the previous event, estimating that repair costs would begin at $10 million and climb rapidly. Dauphin, located nearly 200 km away, has also experienced flooding.

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The other piece is that the cleanup operation is going to be gargantuan. It’s going to be momentous, when we’re talking cleanup and restoration.