Saskatchewan communities cleaning up after floods, states of emergency declared

Highway 8, along with other roads leading into, Cote First Nation have been blocked due to flooding. (Courtesy: Cote First Nation)

Seventeen communities across Saskatchewan have declared a state of emergency due to recent flooding.

Heavy rainfall over the past two weeks has caused flooding on major roads and highways in communities in the eastern and central parts of the province.

The Rural Municipalities of Cote, Insinger, Livingston, Meadow Lake, Philips, Sliding Hills, Wolverine and Sasman have all declared a state of emergency.

The towns of Kamsack, Norquay and Raymore, the villages of Sheho, Pelly, Togo and Annaheim, in addition the resort village of Leslie Beach, and Keeseekoose First Nation are also under various states of emergency.

“The agency is supporting multiple communities and rural areas with equipment resources including pumps, hoses and sandbags. SPSA’s Emergency Service officers will continue to liaise with communities being affected by flooding and assist as required,” SPSA spokesperson Kara Slobodzian told reporters Monday.

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In the region, SPSA also mentioned 100 to 120 millimetres of water was reported on roads between Canora and Yorkton.

Chief George Cote of Cote First Nation said various roads to enter the community were barricaded due to excess water. As a result, a temporary bridge was put in place on Highway 8 so people could drive in and out of the community.

“The agency is supporting multiple communities and rural areas with equipment resources including pumps, hoses and sandbags. SPSA’s Emergency Service officers will continue to liaise with communities being affected by flooding and assist as required.”

In the region, SPSA also mentioned 100 to 120 mm of water was reported on roads between Canora and Yorkton.

Chief George Cote of Cote First Nation said various roads to enter the community were barricaded due to excess water. As a result, a temporary bridge was put in place on Highway 8 so people could drive in and out of the community.

“We just don’t realize, the impact of what water can do and how do you prepare for that?” he said, referring to people’s homes also being impacted by the influx of water.

“… We had a lot of water in the basement and across spaces. Some of the water entered into their property and it looked like little lakes.”

Crews and volunteers from the First Nation have been working to drain the water from peoples’ homes, Cote added.

In addition to reaching out to Indigenous Services Canada, he said the nation will also be seeking further support from the SPSA as well as Red Cross.

“It’s really a big help because we don’t have the resources to buy the culverts, the gravel and whatever is required to put the roads back into operation,” Cote said, adding he is thankful to see people help one another out through these difficult times.

Michael Weger, the minister responsible for the SPSA, said the government’s role is to engage with impacted communities to find out what further supports are needed.

“We’re not only here to assist with any needs as the flooding is happening, but will be in constant communication with municipal leadership to ensure we’re there for the cleanup effort and to get those communities back to back to operate as soon as possible,” Weger said during Monday’s update.