Overland flooding at Long Plain First Nation forced the evacuation of 52 people Monday.

Long Plain Chief Dennis Meeches says access to a residential area was cut-off and the decision to evacuate residents was made because emergency services vehicles could no longer reach homes.

“We had a young person that needed an ambulance and there was no way they could get in there, so they had to carry the child to the provincial road,” Meeches explains. “We're concerned about that and taking precautionary measures.”

The road leading to the community that busses and emergency vehicles can't get down. (Photo by Aaron Wilgosh)

“And we have a lot of children that live in that area and school buses can't get in.”

Evacuees are expected to be sent to hotels in Portage la Prairie. Meeches says there is a lot of work that needs to be done to the road and its drainage area. The Long Plain Chief, however, doesn't expect it will be a long time before those affected will be able to return home.

“I think within a week or two weeks, I can't see it going longer than that,” Meeches says.

Other than the affected area, Meeches says overland flooding is moderate at Long Plain First Nation, and doesn't anticipate other major issues. “There are a few places where we're getting flooded basins, but I think we should be (alright) in the next few weeks.”