Emergency Officials Keep Eye On Cumberland House

Emergency Officials Keep Eye On Cumberland House

Friday, June 17, 2011 at 15:26

 

 

High water levels appear imminent at Cumberland House.

 

Three giant berms are currently being constructed in the community as rain and water from downstream fill up lakes and rivers in the area.

 

At this point, the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority expects levels to be the same or higher than they were in 2005.

 

They say peak flows are expected to be between 3,000 to 3,500 cubic metres per second.

 

Highway crews are preparing to blade the road — which has been virtually impassable in recent weeks — and spread gravel on it.

 

They also says ditch blocks can be put in place if any water threatens to come on to the road at low levels.

 

Colin King is a manager with the Ministry of Public Safety.

 

King says, at this point, the community does not intend to evacuate.

 

Meantime, helicopters are being brought in to service the community should anyone require medical assistance.

 

Wet conditions have made the airstrip virtually unusable for most planes.