Media Release - Local Emergency due to Flooding
The Rural Municipality of Buckland declared a Local State of Emergency at 10:01 a.m. on Monday, May 4th, due to significant flooding along the Shell/Sturgeon River. An evacuation alert for the Shell River Heights was issued at 1:30 pm on Monday, May 4th.
Efforts are focused on saving people, property and infrastructure – in that order. The RM is working closely with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, Buckland Fire Department, Wahpeton Band Council and many volunteers to secure homes along the Sturgeon River.
Unfortunately, we can confirm that one home was flooded, and two more are currently assessed as in danger.
On May 5th we are installing flood prevention systems in the Shell River Heights area.
Our sympathies go out to the family that lost their home and all of those affected by this extreme weather event.
The RM is experiencing road closures throughout the entire municipality. We ask that everyone carefully check the status of the roads they need to use before starting out. We are making every effort to keep up-to-date information on the RM’s website and Facebook page, but ask that motorists avoid driving through water that is flowing over or standing on the road surface. Please be mindful of crews working, slow down and pass with extreme caution – they are very focused on their task and may not hear you approaching. Barriers and Road Closures must be obeyed! They have been placed there for a reason.