Flood relief efforts ongoing

Times Reporter 

 

Almost three weeks after the rivers crested and flooded communities across the southern part of the province, Siksika Nation is still in a state of local emergency. 

Siksika has seen approximately 170 homes in six communities affected by floodwaters that swelled on June 21. 

“Residents are still being asked to stay out of their damaged homes but were bused out to the communities…to survey the damage. Damage to the homes has been assessed and residents will be notified of the status of their home during the tour. Storage units will be brought into the damaged communities shortly so clean up can begin and recovered items can be stored,” said Siksika Nation Public Relations Representative Wesley Water Chief in a press release. 

Since the floods, some of the evacuees have been camping on higher ground overlooking their homes. Others have been taken in by relatives or have been staying in hotels in surrounding areas. 

“The Deerfoot Sportsplex has also been turned into a reception centre where those displaced can find a place to sleep, take a shower, get something to eat and get information,” said Water Chief. 

Water Chief said that Premier Alison Redford made a visit to the reception centre on Tuesday (July 2). She surveyed some of the affected communities and was notified of Siksika’s plans to assist evacuees by bringing in ATCO trailers for short term housing. Mobile homes not used in the Slave Lake fire disaster will also be brought in to meet housing demand.    

Siksika is still under a boil water advisory, and will remain so until cleared by the Environmental Health Officer. There is a water distribution centre set up where water is available for residents until the ban is lifted. 

On July 9 cleanup began at the north camp area, and cleanup efforts are scheduled to move east daily. The donations department is in need of tarps, tents, new shoes of all sizes, new socks of all sizes, new underwear in all sizes, raincoats and generators. At this time no other donations are being requested other than financial donations to the Siksika Nation Disaster Relief Fund to help meet the ongoing needs of the evacuees. 

Anyone wishing to help out, or looking for more information can call 403-734-5315.