It’s been one week since a tornado rolled through the Long Plain First Nation, and still 137 people are waiting to return home.
Evangeline Roulette has been living in Long Plain for 19 years with her family, and she has never seen anything, like the storm on July 20.
“It’s more stress on a person than anything,” Roulette said.
Roulette said her house is still standing, but it was flooded, causing significant damage.
“Just to go home, and to smell that, and knowing what everyone else has to go home to. Like some of them don ‘t have a home to go to,” she explained.
Long Plain First Nation Chief, Dennis Meeches, said 57 homes were severely damaged during the tornado.
Meeches explained crews are continuing to repair homes, and clean up fallen trees this week. He said insurance companies are visiting the area, and a hefty bill is expected.
“There was considerable damage. I don’t have the preliminary numbers yet, but it’s well into the millions,” he added.
Canadian Red Cross has been sending water to the community, as many families remain under a boil water advisory. They are also helping evacuees in Winnipeg and Portage la Prairie.
“Right now our main focus, the Red Crosses main focus is the people who are evacuated, and we’re supporting them,” said Shawn Feely, vice president of Canadian Red Cross Manitoba.
He explained that most evacuees will be making their way to Portage la Pairie in the coming days, to be closer to home.
Officials said for some families it could be months before it’s safe to move back.
