If residents along the Red River are going to be ready for the next flood, Canada and the United States must work together, according to experts from the two countries.
The International Joint Commission handed down 40 recommendations last week on flood forecasting and monitoring, emergency measures and planning, environmental concerns, and zoning on the flood plain.
The commission established a task force earlier this year to look at the causes and effects of the major flood in the valley last spring.
It plans to continue to look at the issues by developing a database and computer models and consulting with the public.
Read Also
Agri-business and farms front and centre for Alberta’s Open Farm Days
Open Farm Days continues to enjoy success in its 14th year running, as Alberta farms and agri-businesses were showcased to increase awareness on how food gets to the dinner plate.
Recommendations
Among the list of recommendations, there were several short-term suggestions for federal, provincial, state and local governments to adopt until the task force submits its final report expected June 30, 1999:
- Create an awareness that a large flood could happen any year. n Update forecast models, flood emergency plans and emergency measures agreements.
- Make technical improvements in forecasting, water flow models, gauging networks and surveys, and managing ice.
- Make sure farmers and homeowners properly dispose of waste that could contaminate water during a flood, and move or secure hazardous materials stored on the floodplain.
- Seal abandoned wells and flood-proof active wells.
- Make sure Manitoba buildings comply with legislation and zoning.
- Make flood forecast and emergency information simpler.
- Support flood victims.
- Encourage more regular communication between emergency management organizations in the valley.
The complete text of the interim report can be found at the commission’s web site: www.ijc.org.
