Approximately one thousand people on the Siksika First Nation, east of Calgary, have been evacuated from their homes as flood waters have left the community under metres of water.
According to Chief Fred Rabbitcarrier a state of emergency for the area was declared Thursday night and residents were prepared for some flooding but were overwhelmed by the disaster.
“There is a feeling of hopelessness,” he explained. “We didn’t expect it to be this devastating.”
The nation is under a boil water advisory as the water treatment plant is overcapacity.
As many as 200 homes remain underwater as of Sunday afternoon. Electricity and roads are out in the flood areas.
For volunteer and donation inquiries, please contact the Siksika Emergency Team at 403-734-3999 or visit the Deerfoot Sportsplex. Required items include:
- Toiletries
- Bottled Water
- Blankets
- Baby items
- Towels
- Shoes
- Non-perishable food
- Toys
- Clothing racks and hangers
A Calgary drop-off centre for Siksika donations has been established at MLA Jeff Wilson's office at 328 - 22 Midlake Blvd S.E. Theoffice will collect donations on Sunday between the hours of 1pm and 3 pm.
"We are still in the crisis mode,” says Rabbitcarrier. “As far as the long term we’ll have to house these people somehow.”
On Monday, a flood relief account will be created at the Bank of Montreal, Siksika Branch. Account information will be available on the Siksika Alberta Flood Facebook page.
