Not too far from here (The Rumour Mill Headquarters) people are working around the clock, sandbagging. Creating dikes to protect their homes and the homes that belong to their neighbours. Not too far from here, in a City we once called home, they are facing a flood like most have never seen in their lifetime. In certain areas of Manitoba, flooding is a way of life each spring. Some years are much worse than others. If you live in an area prone to flooding, it’s your way of life as spring looms on the horizon and the river waters begin to rise.
This year, the flood is going to affect people who do not live in the typical flood zones. Near Portage La Prairie, they are preparing to breach the dike and divert water in another direction. They are calling this a “controlled release” and this release will likely flood approximately 150 homes and 225 square kilometers of land. Homes that would otherwise be safe from the rising waters. This is intended to prevent the flooding of approximately 800 homes and 500 square kilometers of land. The Government continues to delay the dike breach which is allowing home owners to continue to do whatever they can to protect their homes and their belongings.
I am glued to the television/news on this one. I am very interested in seeing the results of the “controlled release” and what may happen in that little Prairie City, Brandon. They are scheduling the release for tomorrow morning at 6:00 a.m., although that may change. Sending positive thoughts and prayers to everyone that is facing this flood.
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And I hope for the people affected by the “controlled” breach that it stays just that … controlled. I fear that the officials in charge don’t fully understand what will truly happen once they make that first cut and start the water flowing…