Manitoba's Interlake region grapples with 'unfathomable' spring flooding

While communities in southern Manitoba battle flooding from the Red and Assiniboine rivers, people in the Interlake region are scrambling to save their homes from rising waters.

Overland flooding from the Icelandic River, which runs into Lake Winnipeg, has washed out many roads and drenched fields in the municipality of Bifrost-Riverton. That municipalityincludes the community of Riverton and numerous hamlets, and surrounds thetown of Arborg, about 100 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

It's one of 24 municipalities in Manitoba that are under local states of emergency because of flooding as of Tuesday, after six more municipalities were added to Monday's list.

Bifrost-Riverton Reeve Brian Johnsonsays gravel roads off Highway 7 have dissolved under the fast flow of rain and snow runoff.

"It washed out all the driveways all the way down, and the water just gushing outreally caused a lot of problems on that side," he said.

Community members had to scramble to protect homes and a large greenhouse facility near highways 7 and 68, Johnson said.

"I think that most of them are OK. But I know one facility, it just came so fast, they couldn't deal with it."

Johnson said the washouts are making it difficult for some cattle farmers to get to their livestock.

Michael Duguid's farm is located between Gimli and Arborg.

He says water from overland flooding came right into his cattle pens. Now, his hay feed is sitting in water.

"It's hard on the cattle because there's not a dry spot for them to sit down on," he said.

Of the 200 cattle he owns, he's had to move about 50 pairs of cows and calves to other areas.

After suffering through last year's drought, the flooding is hitting cattle producers across Manitoba hard, said Duguid, who sits on the board of the Manitoba Beef Producers.

The organization estimates farmers have lost close to 3,000 animals because of the flooding, he said.

"This is going to put the pastures back even farther,"said Duguid.

Meanwhile, residents in the area have been busy sandbagging to protect their properties.

On Tuesday, Brett Olafson was picking up more sandbags for his mom's house.

His family has lived in Arborg for more than 40 years and has never seen anything like this, he said.

"The flower beds are all under water here," he said.

"This has never been a thing. It's unfathomable, really."

In Arborg, town officials said15 to 20 homes have needed sandbagging.

Danny Gudbjartoson says the water started creeping over the road near his Arborg home a couple of days ago.

He moved his car to the other side of the water, and has been using a makeshift bridge to get to and from his home.

"It was just travelling way too fast. That's when I figured I better have some access on the other side."

He thinks it's going to take at least a week or two for the water to recede.

Unfortunately, there's not much residents can do except wait it out, said Doug Anderson, public information officer with the North-East Interlake Emergency Measures Board.

"Basically, there's thousands of acres in the municipality that are under water right now. That all has to drain off."

Earlier this week, some Interlake residents were told to prepare to evacuate their homes.

On Sunday night, the Rural Municipality of Fisherappealed to residents in the town of Fisher Branchto pack an overnight bag, including any medications they might need,and be ready to leave.

Manitoba's Interlake region struggles with spring flooding

2 years ago

Duration 2:06

18 Manitoba communities are now under local states of emergency due to flooding. They include the RM of Bifrost-Riverton, where the water has taken people there by surprise.

24 municipalities under states of emergency

As of Tuesday, these municipalities were under a state of emergency, according to the province:

• RM of Cartier.
• RM of Morris.
• RM of Ritchot.
• RM of Fisher.
• RM of Montcalm.
• City of Morden.
• Town of Winnipeg Beach.
• Municipality of Pembina.
• Town of Arborg.
• RM of Armstrong.
• RM of Dufferin.
• Municipality of BifrostRiverton.
• RM of Grey.
• RM of Headingley.
• RM of Thompson.
• RM of West Interlake.
• RM of St. Laurent.
• RM of Grahamdale.
• Municipality of Norfolk Treherne, Municipality.
• RM of Whitemouth.
• RM of Woodlands.
• RM of Emerson-Franklin.
• RM of Coldwell.
• RM of MacDonald.

The province's list doesn't include First Nations. Peguis First Nation, Fisher River Cree Nation and Long Plain First Nationhave also declared states of emergency.