Katie Daly
Updated on: October 12, 2024 5:03 pm GMT
Heavy rain wreaked havoc across multiple communities in Manitoba on Tuesday morning, leading to road closures and overland flooding. In the town of Blumenort, residents reported unprecedented conditions, with one local comparing the deluge to a beach as waves surged into her driveway. The severe weather, which began around 7 a.m., has left many residents grappling with flooded homes and impassable roads.
Significant Rainfall Totals
Stephen Berg, a meteorologist from Environment and Climate Change Canada, noted that southern Manitoba experienced such intense rainfall that certain areas recorded staggering amounts over a span of just 36 hours.
– Ste. Pierre-Jolys: 167 mm
– Steinbach: 156 mm
– Elma: 138 mm
– Winkler: 133 mm
– Ste. Anne: 210 mm
This significant precipitation was more than many communities could handle, leading to flooding in basements and on roadways. “I’ve never seen rain this bad,” said Amber Neufeld, a Blumenort resident. She had to move her vehicle into the garage to avoid flooding.
Local Impact
Blumenort was particularly hard-hit, as local emergency services struggled to respond to numerous calls for help. The local fire department even assisted residents, with one individual needing help to remove a car stuck on a flooded street. “A guy down the street got a squeegee from the fire department because his basement was flooded,” Neufeld recounted. Meanwhile, in her neighborhood, homes just a few doors down experienced their garages inundated.
Jim Funk, Reeve of the Rural Municipality (RM) of Hanover, confirmed that several communities, including Kleefeld, Randolph, and Mitchell, suffered similarly from the unexpected downpour. Funk remarked, “You cannot prepare for this amount of rain in this short of time, no matter what you do.”
Local authorities are working diligently to assist affected homeowners. Key measures include:
– Providing sandbags for those in need
– Pumping water off streets
– Assisting with drainage from flooded houses
Safety Precautions Amid Flooding
With the roads swamped, officials emphasize the importance of driving safely. Berg warned motorists, “The best thing to do if you’re needing to get somewhere would be to try to avoid water-inundated roadways.” He pointed out the dangers of hydroplaning and slippery conditions.
As the week rolls on, light showers are still in the forecast, but they are not expected to reach the intensity experienced on Tuesday.
Community Resilience and Response
The community response to the flooding has involved various organizations and residents banding together. Many residents expressed gratitude for the support provided by local emergency services. Volunteers have also stepped up, helping to distribute sandbags and providing assistance to those who suffered property damage.
The RM of Hanover continues to work with homeowners to mitigate further issues stemming from the flooding, ensuring that support remains available as needed.
Conclusion
This week, heavy rain hit Manitoba hard, showing just how powerful nature can be and how it can affect local communities. Now, people are looking at the damage and figuring out how to recover. They are helping each other and using local services to rebuild their lives. Even though the situation is tough, these communities are strong and hopeful as they work to get back to normal after such a big weather challenge.
