Two First Nations in Manitoba have declared states of emergency over concerns higher temperatures could lead to flooding, with both communities expecting evacuations will be needed.
In a video statement posted Saturday, Peguis First Nation Chief Stan Bird said the community’s emergency was declared because the “flood risk is now a certainty.”
Water levels are expected to exceed the banks of Fisher River “in the coming days,” he said. “Evacuations of our residents will be required.”
He also said information available that morning suggested a flood similar to 2022 could occur, which saw the evacuation of more than 1,000 people.
Bird went on to say while flooding will be “extensive,” it’s not yet clear when the community would be “overcome” by the rising water.
“The severity of flooding is dependent on whether temperatures jump to the high teens during the week,” he said. “We must also consider the recent snowfall and the precipitation we have received, or will receive in the coming days.”
Fisher River Cree Nation also declared a state of emergency on Saturday.