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Manitoba Town Drenched: Floods, Gas Leaks, and Washed-Out Bridges
9 Jun
Summary
- Minitonas declared a local emergency due to extreme rainfall and flooding.
- Heavy rain caused power outages, a gas line rupture, and a boil water advisory.
- A washed-out bridge and submerged roads have significantly impacted the community.
A state of local emergency was declared in Minitonas, Manitoba, due to severe flooding caused by approximately 15 centimetres of rain falling within a few hours. This intense weather event led to a cascade of problems for the small community located about 375 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg.
Power outages resulting from the storms compromised the water system, triggering a boil water advisory due to loss of pressure. Additionally, a ruptured gas line necessitated the partial evacuation of a neighborhood, and the East Favel River's high water levels forced the closure of the Second Avenue bridge. Several other roads, including Knox Avenue, were submerged.
Across western and central Manitoba, multiple highway closures were reported, particularly in the Parkland area, as ditches and waterways overflowed. Intense winds and hail also accompanied the storms in some regions, with several tornado warnings issued, though no confirmed touchdowns were reported. Meteorologists anticipate further storm activity in the coming days.
Municipal staff in Minitonas are focusing on managing the flooding and assisting residents, including guidance on handling electrical hazards. The fire department is conducting door-to-door checks to inform residents about safety measures related to submerged electrical components. Manitoba Hydro is actively working to restore power to the affected areas.
