Canadian Red Cross workers helping a northern Alberta town recover from devastating wildfires are now shifting their attention to a torrent of rain that has flooded the region.
Heavy rainfall pummelled the town of Slave Lake Friday, closing roadways and swamping forest areas.
On Saturday, provincial officials said levels on the Sawridge Creek were falling. A day earlier, volunteers and emergency crews were sandbagging vulnerable areas along the creek as the water rose.
However, a high streamflow advisory was still in effect on Saturday. More rain is expected in the area in the coming days, according to Environment Canada.
Reporting from Slave Lake, CTV's Sean Amato said the Red Cross had helped about 70 local families Friday.
Amato added that crews were sandbagging around the town's hospital Saturday in case nearby creek levels rise.
"It is raining right now, and things are still in the danger zone," Amato said Saturday afternoon.
When the rainwater flooded local homes, Red Cross workers pitched in to help about five dozen residents find hotel rooms, get groceries and locate cleanup supplies.
"It's certainly extremely unfortunate that people who already have gone through so much have more to deal with," said Red Cross spokeswoman Leila Daoud on Friday.
"We're happy that we are able to provide the assistance for this disaster, because we've already been in the community to help with the fire relief."
The Red Cross has promised to support Slave Lake for two years in the aftermath of the May 15 wildfire that destroyed 400 homes and businesses — about one-third of the community.
Fire Chief Jamie Coutts said that spirits remain high in the town despite the downpour.
"Unlike the fire where it's dangerous and we had a hard time finding jobs for everybody, this one, it's filling sandbags," Coutts said.
"They took turns, they told jokes and told stories. So although you're trying to make sure another terrible thing doesn't happen, I think the mood was a little better because people were able to help out."
Stretches of road near Slave Lake were closed Friday afternoon after being deluged with rainwater.
RCMP said the floodwater swept one car into a guardrail but no one was injured.
Meanwhile, deer have been forced onto roads because forested areas are flooded and animals have nowhere else to go.
Officials say many roads have now been reopened, though portions of Highway 88, a major thoroughfare near Slave Lake, were still closed because of a sinkhole.
A portion of Highway 2, west of the town, also remains closed.
The destruction in Slave Lake caused by wildfires alone is the second-costliest insured disaster in Canadian history, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. It estimates the damage costs more than $700 million.
With files from the Canadian Press
