Brandon under a state of emergency

Brandon has declared a state of emergency as the Assiniboine River continues to rise.

Heavy rain in the forecast has flood officials there scrambling to build up protective dikes another two feet.

The Brandon mayor declared a state of local emergency Sunday morning.

It is in effect until May 21st for the entire city.

This allows officials to deal with severe flooding while keeping residents safe.

Around 1,500 people were put on evacuation notice Friday when it was learned the Assiniboine River will jump around two feet.

Earlier today a private dike in the city was breached, causing localized flooding to a building. No one was hurt.

Concerns over washed out roads have forced the Brandon RCMP to work from Carberry and Souris detachments.

The rising river also forced the closure of Kirkcaldy Heights School.

Classes are being moved to Brandon University until the 24th.

Crews are building up the dike on 1st Street.

This means south bound lanes of the main artery are closed until around May 12th.

Officials are warning people to stay away from the flood affected area because they are getting in the way of crews working.