Southern First Nations Facing Floods
Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 15:37
Flood waters continue to wreak havoc on some southern First Nations.
The Cowessess First Nation declared a state of emergency last night due to flooding.
Norm Vetter with Social Services says 125 to 150 people have been moved away from the flood plain.
Vetter says people are staying in temporary shelter in surrounding communities of Whitewood, Broadview and Grayson.
He adds that members of Social Services and a Red Cross Team are on their way to provide assistance.
More than 70 homes near a creek that runs through the community were evacuated.
Meanwhile, two other First Nation communities in the Qu’Appelle Valley are also dealing with flooding: Piapot First Nation and Muscowpetung.
Marcella Poitras is Director of Operations for Muscowpetung and says three families have been forced out of their homes so far and roads are being washed out.
Poitras says the flooding is far from over.
She says no decision has been made regarding school closure, but buses are being hampered by the road conditions.
Reg Dejarlais from Piapot says his house is mostly under water and says there are other families who have been forced to leave as well.