WINNIPEG — It’s been one week since a tornado touched down in Long Plain First Nation, forcing hundreds to evacuate.
“That was the longest 15 minutes of my life,” Derek Meeches, Long Plain resident said.
While the cleanup is well underway, its Chief says it could be months before some residents are able to return.
“Some of the homes will take four or five months to repair,” Chief Dennis Meeches said.
RELATED: Long Plain residents could be out of their homes for three months
The tornado displaced over 500 people. There are still over 100 people who haven’t been able to go back to their homes. The Canadian Red Cross is assisting the community with food and water supplies.
“By Thursday, the residents who are staying in Winnipeg will be moved to Portage La Prairie,” Meeches said.
RELATED: Canadian Red Cross to help Long Plain First Nation evacuees
The residents staying in hotels in Winnipeg told Global News on Monday that it is challenging being so far from their community. Some families have six people staying in one hotel room.
“It was pretty devastating for the community,” Meeches said.
Meeches also added that many of the damaged homes also have flooding from the storm damage.
Meanwhile, the community is healing through sharing stories and helping each other.
“This is basically what everyone is talking about. Every day,” one resident told Global News.
The Chief said they aren’t able to provide a specific date when the community will be fully repaired.
RAW: Aftermath of tornado that tore through Long Plain First Nation