Flooding forces 80 people from homes on Peguis First Nation

Officials from the Peguis First Nation say high water from the Fisher River is threatening more than three dozen properties.

A state of emergency was declared Tuesday and at least 80 people have been forced from their homes on the reserve, about 145 kilometres north of Winnipeg, according to members of the council, who say the main highway through the community is also partially covered by water.

The band council and local residents are meeting Wednesday morning to decide how to proceed. The Fisher River is expected to crest in the region within the next day.

Peguis is the largest First Nations community in the province, with a population of approximately 7,200 people.