Clean up continues at Long Plain First Nation, following the F-1 Tornado that passed through the community Wednesday night. The storm severely damaged about 47 homes in the community, and about 500 people have been evacuated until their homes are suitable for habitation. This afternoon saw Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Bergen and Portage la Prairie MLA Ian Wishart visit the community, to check on the residents and to tour the devastated area. Bergen says looking at the damage within her own constituency was an emotional experience, noting she's concerned for the families who've been impacted by the storm.

"I just think of the folks here, they're probably still feeling a little shaken by it. That's what I think about, I think about the people and the fear and what they've gone through. Now, they don't have their homes at this point and not sure when they can come back home."

Bergen says she's hoping to see the federal government step up and assist the First Nation, adding it seems good progress has been made already.

It was Wishart's second visit to the community, first visiting yesterday morning after hearing about the storm. He says it's always shocking to see the damage caused by tornados, especially since they don't seem to follow a straight path. He says it was shocking to see the damage, noting usually tornados are spotted in more rural areas. While much of the assistance being sought by Long Plain is federal, Wishart says the provincial government's also standing behind the community.

"They can ask for help from the province through EMO, they've done a bit of that with getting the Red Cross in here. They seem to have the crews in, but we're there if they come and ask us for help. Right now it seems to be getting handled, I just want to make sure the families here get looked after, and that's why I'm here."

Long Plain Chief Dennis Meeches says he's grateful for the ongoing support he's seen since the storm. He notes he's heard from Bergen, Wishart, and Minister of Indigenous and Municipal Relations Eileen Clarke. He says while there's a lot of work be done over the next several months, they're also being supported by neighboring First Nations, and even a church group from south of the border.

"We've had very, very strong support from outside communities, Swan Lake First Nation, Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council, lots of First Nations groups and organizations from Winnipeg. We have a lot of good things happening in terms of people providing support for clean-up efforts and providing donations."

While about 500 people were evacuated, Meeches says some will be able to return to their homes in the near future. However, for those whose homes received significant damage, it could be months before they return.