The state of emergency at Shoal Lake Cree Nation has one more hurdle to overcome before it can be lifted.
A representative from Shoal Lake Cree Nation say the community will be under a state of emergency as long as they remain isolated.
“The flooding levels have went down, but it is the highways that are the issue because we are isolated and can’t get supplies,” said the band’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Brad Cook.
Cook says when the flooding occurred the highway into the community closed. Those with chronic illness and medical issues were able to evacuate the community before the highway was closed.
The Department of Highways was prepared to open the roadway this morning, but officials found an issue with one of the bridges into the reserve.
“They discovered a sinkhole,” said Cook. “They found some erosion under one of the bridge’s embankments, which we didn’t see yesterday.”
The Department of Highways is currently assessing the situation at the bridge to ensure it is safe for travel and to determine if any repairs are needed. The bridge might be open at some point on Thursday.
Cook says in the meantime, they are ensuring everyone in the First Nation is fed and has enough supplies to get by. He says STARS Air Ambulance would be called in the case of any medical emergency.