Village of Gainsborough evacuated

“East of Gainsborough the bridge is gone… so they're kind of going to be on an island trapped in there with no way to get in or out.”

Martens' assessment was confirmed in a Monday morning briefing by provincial officals.

Deanna Wysosky, manager of emergency social services for the province, said an estimated 250 people evacuated Gainsborough for nearby Carnduff.

“Some of them were camping in the driveways and yards of Carnduff residents. And some of the Gainsborough people were staying in the houses with Carnduff residents,” she said.

Wysosky said the 250 from Gainsborough and 66 people from a flooded apartment complex in Yorkton were the only estimates of evacuees available.

While she said the number is likely higher, so far, no one has formally approached the Ministry of Social Services for help. Wysosky said that doesn't mean the ministry won't be there if people's situation changes. Generally, she said they are equipped to provide things like shelter, blankets, clothes and food if people are in need.

Duane McKay, commissioner of emergency management and fire safety, reported that RCMP know of four people who have chosen to remain in Gainsborough. He noted that evacuation orders haven't been mandatory for communities cut off by the flooding, but they are strongly advising people to leave.

According to information in the morning briefing, 16 patients had to be moved from Gainsborough's health centre. As of that briefing, it was the only medical facility in the flood zone that's had to close.

blevy@rawlco.com

On Twitter: @BrynLevy

by Bryn Levy

Village of Gainsborough evacuated

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