Rising river levels shut down roads, bridges in Peguis First Nation

River crossings in Peguis First Nation have been shut down as water levels on the Fisher River begin to rise.

The First Nation posted on its Facebook page on Thursday morning that Les Daniels and Pine Cone crossings have both been closed, as well as a nearby roadway as water from the Fisher River has begun penetrating it along the culvert.

“Crews are currently in the process of cutting open the road to allow water to flow and relieve pressure in the area,” the First Nation wrote.

Other roadways in the community were washed out earlier this week.

Heavy equipment has been working to break up ice over the past few days, the First Nation said.

The community is under a state of emergency as it braces for flood conditions similar to what it experienced in 2022, when roughly 2,000 people were forced from their homes.

Early evacuations have begun, namely of residents with medical conditions and mobility concerns.

The community has been sandbagging since last week, due to forecasts that have warned a very bad flood is possible if certain weather conditions — a fast melt combined with heavy rain — occur in the coming days.

A flood emergency centre has been set up at the Peguis Multiplex, as well.

The community, considered the largest First Nation in Manitoba, has more than 10,000 members, with data from the federal government suggesting roughly 3,800 live on the reserve.

- With files from The Canadian Press