Swan River mayor says cleanup on hold as water recedes
The mayor of Swan River, Man., says the flooded town is stuck in a waiting game before cleanup can begin, as water levels slowly drop after severe storms drenched the region.
Mayor Al Rippin told The Canadian Press that the community of about 4,000 people is still under a state of emergency, with many homes and businesses inundated. “We’re in a holding pattern right now,” he said. “Until the water goes down enough, we can’t even get in there to assess the damage.”
Severe storms overwhelm infrastructure
Heavy rainfall on Canada Day and the days that followed caused the Swan River to overflow its banks, flooding basements and main floors across the town. The mayor estimated that more than 100 properties have been affected, with some areas seeing water levels up to three feet deep.
“It’s been a tough week for everyone,” Rippin said. “We’re just asking for patience as we wait for the water to recede.”
Provincial assistance requested
The municipality has requested provincial assistance, and officials from the Manitoba government are expected to visit the area soon to assess the situation. Rippin said the priority is ensuring the safety of residents and preventing further damage.
“We’ve had some volunteers helping with sandbagging, but now it’s really just a waiting game,” he added. “Once the water is gone, we can start the real work of cleanup and recovery.”
