Multiple bridges seriously damaged in flash floods, more rain on the way for Manitoba
Manitoba is bracing for more rain as it works to repair multiple bridges that were seriously damaged in flash floods over the weekend.
Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk said he toured Manitoba's northern Parkland area yesterday to view the damage that occurred following a weekend of flooding.
"These were flash floods that happened over the weekend," he said. "One of our ADMs was there and said the water was coming from all directions – it was like a tsunami. So this is what we were facing in that area."
He said around four or five bridges had serious repair damages after the flash floods. While some have opened, Piwniuk said crews are working to repair the other bridges and get traffic flowing again.
Johanu Botha, head of Manitoba’s Emergency Management Organization, said the flood fight is ongoing in communities hard hit by the flooding. He said the province has responded to requests for thousands of pieces of flood-fighting equipment in nearly 40 communities that have declared local states of emergency.
As of the update on Wednesday, Botha said about 2,500 Manitobans have been displaced by the flooding and are being accommodated in different communities in southern Manitoba.
"They will remain there until water recedes and homes are deemed safe," he said.
"We are working hard to protect homes, critical infrastructure, and to keep people safe through sandbags, and sand and Tiger Tube pumps, and of course, all the provincial staff who are deployed across southern Manitoba and who will remain there as long as needed."
However, more rain is on the way.
"Currently we are monitoring another significant precipitation system that is going to impact most of western and central Manitoba basins between today and Friday," said Fisaha Unduche, executive director of hydrologic forecasting and water management in Manitoba.
He said areas including Roblin, Dauphin, Portage, and Brandon are looking at 40 to 90 mm of precipitation. He said the Assiniboine River and the Shellmouth Basin could also be impacted by this, which prompted the province to issue an overland flood warning for the area on Tuesday.
Botha said heavy rain can lead to flash floods and extreme overland flooding.
"People in affected areas should take action to protect their families and their homes and should be prepared to evacuate if needed," he said, telling Manitobans to follow directions from their local authorities.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.