More Saskatchewan communities have declared a state of emergency in regions of the province hit hard by flooding.
Fifty-four communities are now under a state of emergency and nearly 500 people evacuated including upwards of 300 from the town of Gainsborough and 157 from a Melville hospital and care home.
The province is sending wildfire fighting units to help rapid response teams and the Water Security Agency is relocating 40 pumps to southeastern Saskatchewan.
The extent of damage to the roads will be known once the water recedes.
As flooding has caused chaos and distress for many of the residents of southeast Saskatchewan, the Canadian Red Cross has opened a Recovery and Information line to help.
People impacted by flooding in the province are encouraged to call the toll-free l Recovery Assistance and Information Line: 1-888-953-3463.
Callers can leave a message 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls remain confidential, and will be returned by a Red Cross worker.
Recovery assistance available may include housing, food, transportation, household repair and clean-up materials as well as help getting back to work and the replacement of essential personal items. Canadian Red Cross caseworkers will work with individuals and families to identify needs and available resources.
"The Canadian Red Cross is committed to supporting Saskatchewan families affected by flooding throughout the duration of the disaster," says Kim MacLean, Provincial Disaster Management Lead. "We expect to hear from more and more people as the rain subsides and people have a chance to assess the full damage."
Saskatchewan residents can donate by calling toll-free at 1-800-418-1111 or online www.redcross.ca/skflood and earmark their donations for Saskatchewan Floods.
SGI CANADA is also providing information on what to do in the event of a sewer backup claim or flood damage to a vehicle.
"We do everything we can to help customers dealing with sewer backups and flood damage," said SGI CANADA President Andrew Cartmell. "Take care of yourself and your family and make sure everyone is safe. When you are able, contact your insurance broker to file your claim and begin the process. If there are higher than normal claim volumes, we will assign additional adjusters for your area."
For more information, including what is and isn't covered when it comes to flooding and when you should file a claim, visit SGI CANADA's website at www.sgicanada.ca.
