Heavy rainfall causes flash flooding for communities in southeast Saskatchewan

REGINA – Heavy rainfall is causing flooding problems for many communities in the southeast part of the province.

In Regina, the storm water drainage and domestic sewer systems were operating at capacity Sunday night, and officials recommended residents delay showers, baths, and even flushing until capacity could be reduced.

Emergency Management Staff at the Ministry of Government Relations said they are in contact with municipal officials to determine the scope of the flooding and the need for additional support.

The Mayor of Melville, Walter Streelaski, said that the city had issued a local state of emergency due to excessive flooding, Sunday morning.

Streelaski said a command centre is set up at City Hall and that fire trucks are being used to pump out the water, but they are unable to keep up with the amount.

Residents are urged to drastically minimize their water use, as the city’s sanitary system is overflowing with the amount of rain it’s received in the last 24 hours.

Melville is among many communities in the southern part of the province dealing with flash flooding.

The Town of Carnduff, the Rural Municipality of Mount Pleasant, and the Village of Maryfield have declared a local emergency due to heavy rain fall in the South East of the province.

Officials are urging residents to avoid travel if possible and to watch out for barricaded streets.

A number of highways across the province have also been shutdown, including High 8 from Moosomin to Spyhill.

SaskPower says roughly 8,000 people in southeast Saskatchewan are experiencing power outages due to flooding and winds. Crews are working to address the issues.

Meanwhile, SaskEnergy is warning residents to turn off gas if they are experiencing basement flooding.

Drivers are asked to avoid that part of the highway as severe flooding is crossing the road, and surrounding secondary gravel roads as well.

The overflow of water is also causing debris to collect on the roads.