Red River Flood Watch: April 1, 2009
Winnipeg, Manitoba – Fargo, North Dakota
In North Dakota, the risk of flooding from the cresting Red River is not over, but flood fears have eased with the levels at 11.5 meters being below the permanent floodwall level.
However in Manitoba, in the midst of a severe spring snowstorm, the risk of flooding has been escalated by local officials. According to news reports [cbc.ca] the number of homes in Winnipeg at risk of flooding from the rising Red River has been increased from 80 to 140 homes, with residents being urged to add at least a foot of sandbag to existing floodwalls.
Winnipeg flood officials increase estimate of homes at risk
The threat posed by the spreading ice jams is severe, with at least four locations in the city limits identified as possible ice jam locations. North of Winnipeg, the current snowstorm is hampering flood protection efforts as ice jams increase and the areas subject to flooding as a result have been expanded. Selkirk is still under a declared state of emergency in expectation of extensive flooding due to the ice jams.
The river is now expected to crest on Sunday, April 6th.
Other online flood watch resources –
Winnipeg EmergWeb –
Winnipeg crews continue working to respond to rising river levels and prepare for possible ice jams.
Manitoba EMO – Emergency Measures organization – The Salvation Army is providing meals and refreshments to people working on the flood-fighting efforts north of Winnipeg and in Winnipeg.
Canada News – Spring storm hindering flood protection efforts north of Winnipeg
CBC Manitoba Flood Watch – ice cutting machine plunges through river ice north of Winnipeg
Project417 coordinators will meet tomorrow with Salvation Army EDS manager to determine volunteer deployment possibility. More updates soon…
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Winnipeg Red River Flood Watch – Wednesday April 15 – Update and photos
Red River Flood Watch – Update, April 15 – Latest photos …more
Winnipeg Red River Flood Watch – Wednesday April 15 – Update and photos
The latest news from EmergWeb is that the threat of flooding is not over, with the city responding to changing river conditions and shifting flood fighting efforts to the north and central areas of Winnipeg. New calls for volunteers (at least 500 needed) continue to be posted. In the local Winnipeg calling area – call 311 – to register to volunteer or visit the EmergWeb volunteer page
The need for volunteers today is urgent.
From the Province of Manitoba EMO –
A continued rapid melt is contributing to higher levels on Red River tributaries and resulting in further forecasted increases for some areas of the river. The 2009 flood will now surpass 1979 and 1950 levels in areas from St. Jean Baptiste to the floodway inlet. This makes 2009 the second-greatest flood since the floods of the 1800s. Levels for the 1997 flood were still about 0.6 metres (two feet) higher than crests expected this year. Many areas of Manitoba are also experiencing overland flash flooding caused by frozen, saturated soil and crests in many locations are lasting longer than usual. This combination of events has resulted in a serious flood situation that could last for several weeks.
Evacuations – A partial evacuation is underway from Peguis First Nation through the Manitoba Association of Native Fire Fighters (MANFF). MANFF has started an evacuation of 119 residents to Winnipeg this afternoon. An evacuation of the personal-care home in St. Adolphe will begin this evening as a precautionary measure. Approximately 40 residents will be moved to Winnipeg. The St. Adolphe Personal Care Home, the South Eastman Manitoba Regional Health Authority and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority are co-ordinating the placement of residents according to the level of care required and the location of family. Family members of residents are being contacted.
Disaster Assistance – An office is being set up in Selkirk to help residents who have been affected by the flooding. Visit the EMO website for more information
Webcam – Live view of Winnipeg Red River Floodway gates
Photos –
Visit Winnipeg Free Press on Flickr
[thumbnail source – Winnipeg Free Press on Flickr]
I’ll keep adding updates as they come in from all the feeds as well as mirror on the MissionLog, and post volunteer updates at project417.com. If you have links to photos or videos post them in the comments here. Thanks.
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