Saskatchewan

Arborfield, Sask., lifts mandatory evacuation order

After flash floods and breached berms, a mandatory evacuation order has been lifted in Arborfield, Sask.

Disaster relief centre expected to be open next week in town

Some parts of Arborfield, Sask. were devastated by floods earlier in July. (Devin Heroux/CBC)

Arborfield, Sask., lifted its mandatory evacuation order today.

The town declared a state of emergency after torrential rain, flash flooding and breached berms that led to an evacuation order for the community, affecting about 400 people. 

Water levels are continuing to recede and sewer systems are regaining capacity.

Yesterday, a partial lift allowed some residents to return home, but now all residents are permitted to return. That includes 36 seniors who live at Arborfield Special Care Lodge.

Sask. evacuees come to grips with flooding damage

8 years ago
Duration 1:06
Arborfield, Sask., resident Cheryl Frisky is coming to grips with her flooded basement.

Financial assistance

The Provincial Disaster Assistance Program is aiming to open a disaster relief centre in Arborfield some time next week. No location has been decided upon. 

The rural municipality of Arborfield is one of seven communities that have successfully applied for and received approval for disaster financial assistance. That means people affected can start to send in clams.

Residents in Arborfield are returning home to a big mess. (Devin Heroux/CBC)
Water is pumped from the basement of a home affected by flooding in Arborfield. (Devin Heroux/CBC)

Communities granted approval for disaster financial assistance:

  • RM of Arborfield.
  • RM of Lawtonia.
  • Town of Carrot River.
  • RM of Mankota.
  • Town of Watrous.
  • ​City of Yorkton.

To request assistance, residents must produce their driver's licence, insurance denial letters or property tax assessments.

A disaster relief centre is open in Estevan today until Saturday.

Things are improving in the town of Arborfield. (Devin Hereux/CBC)
Sand bags holding back flood waters near Arborfield. (Devin Heroux/CBC )