Cumberland House Declares State of Emergency

Cumberland House Declares State of Emergency

Monday, June 20, 2011 at 16:37

 

 

A local state of emergency has been declared for the village and reserve of Cumberland House.

 

Earlier this morning, the mayor and chief made that decision, as water levels around the community continue to rise.

 

Cumberland House Cree Nation Chief Lorne Stewart says people are worried that the situation could become like 2005 when the road was washed away.

 

He says a construction crew is currently diking along the highway, and another crew is diking around low spots in the community.

 

Stewart emphases that just because a state of emergency has been declared does not mean the community will be evacuated.

 

He says it was declared so the community can get outside help and resources.

 

Stewart says helicopters are on stand-by in case water does go over Highway 123, which is what it would take to evacuate the community.

 

Officials are warning the peak of these rising waters could surpass that of 2005.