Provincial and municipal officials will meet today to discuss the flood threat to Manitoba communities. With the Red River expected to crest in about two weeks from now, preparations are well underway.
Water Stewardship Minister Christine Melnick will travel to St. Adolphe, Morris, Letellier and Emerson for a first-hand look at what’s being done to hold back water as it rises.
South of the border, officials feel they have a grasp of things, as the threat appears, for the most part, to be over. According to WDAY, Fargo residents are keeping a close eye on their dikes to ensure they maintain stability and hold up as the water begins to decrease. The crest hit Sunday six metres above flood stage, just as forecasters predicted.
A permanent solution to North Dakota’s water woes could take 8-10 years before a floodway-like system is put into place to alleviate the annual threat the state faces each spring.
As the water in the U.S. makes its way into Manitoba, the province says it’s as ready as can be, but despite the planning, Highway 75 is still expected to be closed for a few weeks.
Locally in Winnipeg, sandbagging will begin on Tuesday, and the La Salle Hotel desperately needs volunteers to help out. If you can make it, management is asking you to show up at 9 a.m. Tuesday to 346 Nairn Avenue.
