Peguis First Nation Chief ‘hopeful’ as flood threat appears to ebb

Peguis First Nation continues to protect homes and infrastructure amid concerns of flooding in the region. Jon Hendricks has more.

There is cautious optimism in a Manitoba First Nation as the threat of extensive flooding appears to have diminished.

A spokesperson for Peguis First Nation Chief Stan Bird told CTV News the community’s flood risk might not be as severe as initially expected, as the Fisher River’s flow rate dropped considerably on Thursday.

He notes one of two tributaries flowing into the river has peaked, while the other is expected to peak Thursday night or Friday morning.

Afterwards, leadership will have a better understanding of the flood situation.

However, one house is in danger, with residents under evacuation protocol. It’s likely they will shelter in place, the spokesperson said.

Still, a provincial flood bulletin issued Thursday afternoon warns the Icelandic and Fisher rivers are still under flood warning amid warmer temperatures and continued snowmelt.

Adding to that, a ‘significant precipitation system’ is expected to continue across the north, dumping up to 40 cm of additional snow on areas like The Pas, Flin Flon and Thompson by Sunday when the system clears out.

“The impacts of this precipitation system on flows and water levels will be analyzed once temperatures start to warm mid-next week,” the bulletin said.

Peguis First Nation has been under a state of emergency for a number of days, as an earlier flood outlook forecast river levels similar to what it experienced in 2022, when roughly 2,000 people were forced from their homes.

Sandbagging has been underway since last week as residents with mobility challenges and health concerns were evacuated.

The community is now working to build clay dikes around two subdivisions.

Two roads in the First Nation are closed due to washouts, but it has not affected travel, officials say.

The community is considered the largest First Nation in Manitoba, with more than 10,000 members, 3,800 of which live on the reserve, according to federal data.

- With files from CTV’s Simon Stones and The Canadian Press