By Samantha Maciag

Berms break at Katepwa

Apr 30, 2011 | 11:57 AM

Crews have been going for two weeks at Katepwa Lake, east of Regina — sandbagging and building berms — trying to protect lake-front cottages from the ever-rising water.

Friday night, mother nature took a nasty swing and today the village is left playing catch up and creating more sandbags.

Mayor of Katepwa, Fred Weekley, said 80 kilometre winds were the culprit, pushing waves, more than six feet high, over the berms. In one area, it completely blew out a 200 foot section, causing the lake to rush in behind it.

He said the newer cottages built to code seem to be okay.

“Properties that we actually did evacuate, and there is probably 26 of them, were the older cottages, 50, 60 years old and small trailers that were built close to the ground,” he said.

Safety first

Safety concerns and tips surrounding discarded needles in P.A.

2h ago

Liquor stores must change hours

Prince Albert limits liquor store hours

5h ago

skin care +

LUXE22 Clinic : Elevating Beauty with Expert Treatments

6h ago

Today, they're regrouping and bagging sand — Friday night they used all 10,000 sandbags they had on reserve.

Weekley said a lot of people seem to be touring the area to survey the damage. He hopes that some of them will stop and lend a hand, even if it's only for 15 minutes.

news@panow.com