A total of 35 communities across Saskatchewan have declared a state of emergency as a result of severe spring flooding conditions, as of Thursday afternoon. Fourteen of those communities have declared a state of emergency in the last 48 hours, which include Muskoday First Nation, the Northern Hamlet of St. George’s Hill, the Village of White Fox, along with the RM of Aberdeen, RM of Big River among others, according to an update provided by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA). A map of the communities impacted can be found on the SPSA’s website. “The agency is aware that other communities have evacuated, but those evacuations are being led by other parties,” SPSA spokesperson Jeff DeDekker told media Thursday afternoon. “SPSA services officers will continue to liaise with the communities being affected by flooding and will continue to assist as required.” In an effort to support those impacted, the agency has sent flooding response equipment. Crews have also been sent to communities in the province’s northwest to assist with highway closures and road incidents related to water on the road. “This high snowfall this year in parts of the province followed by a rapid melt has created an unusual run-off. This is of course causing challenges on the provisional highway network,” noted Dan Palmer, a communications consultant with the Ministry of Highways. There are currently 11 highway provisional closures due to flooding, and eight incidents related to water on the road. “It’s too early to know what the full impact cost of flooding will be on the road infrastructure as events still unfolding in the province, but crews are working hard to keep highways open and restore traffic quickly as possible,” Palmer said. Those looking to travel are encouraged to check the Highway Hotline before they head out.
