Brandon issuing evacuation notices as flood prep continues

Floods in western Manitoba have prompted several states of emergency.

The City of Brandon is issuing evacuation notices as the community continues its flood preparations.

Mayor Jeff Fawcett made the announcement at a news conference on Wednesday, emphasizing that these are evacuation notices and not orders. He said the notices will be used to provide residents within the evacuation zones with information and understanding.

“Currently there is not an evacuation order,” he said.

“But the city continues to monitor conditions closely and is taking every possible measure to protect homes, residents and infrastructure.”

The mayor said the city’s sandbagging operations are underway and that tiger dams will be placed on Thursday.

Fawcett noted that they are expecting one more drop in the Assiniboine River levels before they rise and reach their peak on Monday. He added that levels are expected to remain near the peak for a few days before they gradually recede.

As of Wednesday, levels sit at 1,171.9 feet with a flow of around 8,000 cubic feet per second.

Fawcett encouraged residents to put together an emergency bag with essential items like ID, medications, important documents, clothing and chargers. Pet owners are also asked to arrange pet care in case of an evacuation.

“Be ready, because things can change. There are things that can happen,” he said.

“So, we have to be ready… We’re controlling everything we can control.”