Saskatchewan communities clean up after widespread flooding

Communities in eastern Saskatchewan are grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding that inundated properties and strained infrastructure. Residents are busy removing water-damaged belongings from their homes, with the Assiniboine River having swelled and spilled into surrounding farmland and pastures.

Michael Weger, Saskatchewan's community safety minister, described the widespread water damage during a virtual news conference. He noted that in Kamsack, a town east of Saskatoon, approximately 70 percent of homes experienced basement flooding. The sheer volume of water flowing where it normally doesn't has overwhelmed local sewer systems in some towns, causing sewage to back up into residences.

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It’s just, you know, the amount of water flowing where water doesn’t normally flow.

Seventeen communities have officially declared emergencies. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is on the ground, offering help and essential equipment to those affected. As cleanup efforts continue, residents are anxiously watching the weather, praying for an end to the rain. Municipal leaders will need to consult with engineers to explore potential upgrades to drainage infrastructure to prevent future occurrences.

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When you head south to Kamsack, it’s almost as far as the eye can see.