News - Flooding

The Manitoba government advises that a disaster financial assistance program is in place for this year’s summer flood.

A weather and crop specialist with CWB estimates four million acres of crop production have been lost this year on the prairies as a result of land not being seeded or from crops being abandoned due to excess moisture and flooding.

Farmers at this past week’s Keystone Agricultural Producers general council meeting in Brandon expressed their dismay over the severe crop and pasture losses due to flooding from the record-breaking rains experienced by Manitoba and Saskatchewan in June.

The Manitoba government advises an updated forecast for the second crest on the Assiniboine River at the Portage Diversion calls for the second crest to be similar to the first.

The Manitoba government advises a preliminary estimate of repair costs for roads and bridges in western Manitoba is in excess of $200 million. This does not include agricultural losses.

A provincial state of emergency declared by the Manitoba government remains in place along the lower Assiniboine River from Portage la Prairie to Winnipeg to allow for preparations for high water flows expected to be at 2011 levels plus one foot.

Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is seeking short and long-term strategies to help beef producers deal with the effects of the flooding and excess moisture conditions.

The Manitoba government advises significant flows are expected along the Assiniboine River starting today.

MTS has announced that it will be donating $25,000 to the Canadian Red Cross – Manitoba Division to support flood relief efforts in Manitoba.

The Manitoba government is declaring a provincial state of emergency to take effect at noon today; requesting Canadian Forces support; and establishing a unified command centre near Portage la Prairie to assist with liaison efforts with the affected communities.