On Wednesday, Manitoba flood officials made the decision to hold off on the controlled breach of a dike along Highway 331 at Hoop and Holler Bend southeast of Portage la Prairie, as flows on the Assiniboine River were being contained.
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The controlled release is now set to take place sometime on Thursday — but not before noon — giving residents in affected areas more time to prepare.
Originally, about 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) was expected to be released, but may gradually increase to 3,000 cfs within 24 hours.
Emergency Measures Minister Steve Ashton says a program to provide comprehensive compensation to affected homeowners and producers is being created.
While in Manitoba Wednesday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper promised flood aid and permanent flood-protection measures for those living in western Manitoba.
In Brandon, city officials say there are 1,242 registered evacuees and 514 families. Evacuations will remain in place indefinitely until the Assiniboine River recedes, which could be several more weeks.
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