A state of emergency remains in effect in the Estevan area, thanks to the heavy rains that swamped the city on Sunday.
Environment Canada has reported that 73.1 millimetres, or close to three inches, of rain fell at its monitoring station at the Estevan Airport, most of it coming between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. But Helen Fornwald, the City of Estevan's safety co-ordinator and the head of the local emergency measures organization, said the city received more than five inches of rain, confirming the belief of many local residents.
Speaking at a noon hour press conference, Fornwald said three roads remain closed: Fourth Avenue South, Woodlawn Avenue South and the 600-block of Sixth Street.
“The public must stay away from those areas," said Fornwald.
There haven't been any injuries related to the flooding that have been reported as of yet.
A flood relief centre has been set up at the Civic Auditorium. Volunteers with the Canadian Red Cross were there today, and will be there on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
"Red Cross cleanup kits and Public Health packages for dealing with post flood events are now available for pick up at the Civic Auditorium," the city stated in a press release.
The Red Cross cleanup kits consist of two sets of rubber gloves, two sponges, one set of work gloves, a mop, a push broom and a regular broom, one scrub brush, a mask, one bottle of non-bleacher cleaner (degreaser), a squeegee and garbage bags.
The Public Health packages have two masks with instructions, a flood cleanup reference guide for homeowners, a guide for homeowners to clean up after a flood, guidelines for private wells impacted by floodwaters and facts about mould from occupational health and safety.
Anyone wishing to make donations regarding the flood can make them payable to the Canadian Red Cross.
The Salvation Army is currently set up in the flood relief centre and have clothing available for anyone that requires some. SaskEnergy is presently setting a table up at the flood centre and will be providing safety information relating to the use of generators within close proximity of residences. As well, information regarding flooded properties such as furnaces, water heaters, etc. is also available.
The city has also announced landfill fees for flood cleanup will be waved for the remainder of the week and the weekend. Landfill access has not been compromised.
Four people who reside in the Ridge subdivision in south Estevan have registered as evacuees.
As for the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP), the city is asking local residents are asked to document, take photos and monitor the damages to properties. The city has already applied to PDAP for help stemming from a June 24 storm, and now they will apply again.
“In case we get more rain, they will consider this one event,” said Mayor Roy Ludwig. “So we want to wait until the rain is over.”
There will be a public meeting with PDAP at some point in the future.
Ludwig said it has been a difficult 24 hours, but he is pleased the situation has stabilized, and minimal precipitation would help with the cleanup process. Their biggest concern now is if Estevan experiences more rainfall.
"If the city experiences a second wave of rain as forecasted, please remain in your homes and stay off of the streets so that Emergency Services can perform their duties without additional risk to themselves or residents," the city stated. "Our number 1 priority continues to be public safety."
In other news related to the storm, Golf Saskatchewan announced on Monday that it was postponing and relocating the junior men's and women's provincial championship that was slated to begin at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Club on Monday, and continue through Wednesday. But the tournament will now happen at the Legends Golf Club in Warman from July 18 to 20.
