Photo: RM Meadow Lake flooding
By Nicole Goldsworthy
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SaskToday.ca
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is providing support to several communities across the province as rising flood levels and rapid snowmelt contribute to localized flooding.
As of 11 a.m. April 23, the agency said it is actively responding to requests for assistance and remains in contact with municipalities and First Nations experiencing or anticipating flood impacts.
The Rural Municipality of Meadow Lake declared a local state of emergency on April 21, prompting a response from the SPSA.
The agency has deployed personnel and equipment to assist local efforts, including:
- 40,000 sandbags
- Two sandbagging machines
- Pumps and hoses
- Type 1 and Type 2 response crews
Equipment has been staged at the RM workshop, with crews supporting flood mitigation efforts in the area according to the SPSA press release.
No homes have been impacted so far, though a rural road near a swollen river has been partially flooded. Local officials continue to issue updates through the RM website and social media, and are contacting residents in potentially affected areas.
The SPSA is also assisting Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation after a request for support on April 21.
A sandbagging machine and additional sandbags were delivered on April 22. The agency said it remains in close contact with the community and is prepared to provide further assistance if needed.
Several other Saskatchewan communities are dealing with flooding or heightened risk:
- The Town of Foam Lake declared a local state of emergency on April 21 after experiencing flooding
- The Village of Pierceland reported groundwater flooding at its lift station
- The RM of St. Louis No. 431 declared a state of emergency on April 22
The SPSA said it is monitoring conditions and maintaining communication with these communities to coordinate support.
The Water Security Agency has issued a high flow advisory covering a large portion of the province, from northwestern regions near Buffalo Narrows to southeastern areas near Yorkton.
Recent double-digit daytime temperatures and above-zero overnight lows have accelerated snowmelt, increasing river flows more quickly than expected.
As a result, several areas have reported:
- Localized overland flooding
- Ice jams
- Higher-than-forecast water levels
Communities affected or at risk include Lloydminster, Meadow Lake, Buffalo Narrows, La Ronge, Prince Albert, the Battlefords, Watrous, Melfort, Nipawin, Tisdale, Hudson Bay and Yorkton.
The Water Security Agency said it has contacted more than 140 communities and First Nations to advise them of potential impacts and is deploying teams to collect real-time water flow data.
The SPSA says it will continue working with municipalities and First Nations to monitor conditions and provide support as needed.