A water expert assisting Peguis First Nation anticipates finalizing flood safeguards around the Manitoba Interlake community on Wednesday. Ian Halket, who has been collaborating with the First Nation in readiness for a potentially severe spring runoff over the past ten days, mentioned that the community is well-prepared to manage the expected flooding in the upcoming days.
“We are nearing completion of the protective measures,” stated Halket on Tuesday, noting only a few details remain to be addressed. The province announced on Monday the provision of over half a million sandbags and 11,000 large sandbags to aid Peguis in advance of the runoff. Additionally, neighboring Fisher River Cree Nation received more than 36,000 sandbags and 1,000 larger sandbags for support.
Doug Thomas, the director of communications for Peguis First Nation, reported that 115 homes identified as most vulnerable have been shielded so far. Crews are currently finalizing the dikes around approximately ten homes. “We have never been this well-prepared,” Thomas commended. “The team has displayed remarkable unity.”
Halket mentioned that around 85 maintenance holes and much of the community infrastructure have been safeguarded, with efforts underway on Tuesday to construct a final dike around the public works yard. Expressing his satisfaction, he said, “I am amazed. I am thinking, ‘What an extraordinary effort since Sunday.’ It has been remarkable.”
Peguis announced on Monday the immediate evacuation of “Priority 1” residents, including those with disabilities, diabetes, pregnancy, or requiring special assistance. As of Tuesday, the First Nation has identified 32 individuals for preemptive evacuation, but only six have opted to leave voluntarily.