Premier Brian Pallister surveys damage to the Alonsa area

Premier Brian Pallister visited the Alonsa area on Monday to see firsthand the destruction caused by Friday’s EF-4 tornado and meet with those affected.

“You’re seeing the devastation nature can cause mixed in with the beautiful people that are fighting to get things cleaned up,” Pallister said Monday afternoon.

“Paths cut through the bush, trailers tossed around like toys. It’s very fortunate more lives weren’t lost.”

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Friday’s tornado was on the ground for approximately 45 minutes and at one point was nearly 800 metres wide, according to Environment Canada.

It also claimed the life of 77-year-old Jack Furrie, who RCMP say was found outside of his home, which was destroyed.

Pallister said he also met with the reeve of the RM of Alonsa, Stan Asham.

“Like everyone, there’s a bit of shock factor, they’ve never seen anything like this.”

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Earlier on Monday, Asham suggested the military be brought to help with cleanup efforts, but Pallister himself didn’t address the idea.

Pallister said his government would “do everything we can.”

“Our departments will be working closely with the RM,” Pallister said. “We talked to the CAO (of the RM) and they’re on top of things. It’s a cleanup job now.”

Pallister also addressed reports lack of cell service across the area prevented people from warning their neighbours as the tornado beared down on them.

“We’ll have an announcement later this month in respect to restoring some of the emergency contact systems the Manitoba government is responsible for,” Pallister said. “And we’ll get some answers from the private sector as to what the problem was there in briefings later this week.”