The Town of Minnedosa has become the latest Manitoba community to declare a state of emergency as extreme rainfall causes water levels to rise. Town officials said they are working proactively to protect residents and infrastructure.
Preparations Underway
“We’ve got a head start,” said a town official, noting that sandbagging and other flood mitigation measures began before the emergency declaration. The town is focusing on protecting critical infrastructure and residential areas near the Little Saskatchewan River.
Environment Canada reported that the region received over 100 millimetres of rain in a 48-hour period, overwhelming drainage systems and causing localized flooding. The heavy rainfall is part of a larger weather system that has brought severe storms to southwestern Manitoba.
Community Response
Local emergency crews have been deployed to monitor water levels and reinforce dikes. Volunteers have been filling sandbags to protect homes and businesses. The town has also set up an emergency operations centre to coordinate response efforts.
“We are asking residents to stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel,” said the official. “Our priority is the safety of our community.”
According to the provincial government, Minnedosa is one of several communities in the region affected by the recent storms. The province has offered assistance and resources to help with flood mitigation.
Impact on Agriculture
The heavy rainfall has also devastated local farms. A strawberry farmer in the area said, “We’ve never seen rain like this,” describing fields submerged under water. The full extent of crop damage is still being assessed.
Residents and farmers alike are bracing for more rain as forecasts call for additional precipitation in the coming days. The town’s emergency declaration will remain in effect until water levels recede and the threat diminishes.
