Swift Current state of emergency extended

Swift Current will remain in a local state of emergency for the next 10 to 14 days.

According to the latest statement released by the city, water levels in Swift Current Creek are expected to fluctuate during that time, as the Water Security Agency manages water levels in the nearby Duncairn Dam.

Fire chief Ryan Hunter said there’s still a way to go before the city is in the clear.

“The Water Security Agency helped the City of Swift Current for the last few days by holding back water release from the dam, as we took in a lot of water from other tributaries going into the Swift Current Creek,” he explained.

More runoff is expected in the next 14 days from the Cypress Hills region, along with rain in the forecast for next week.

Hunter also reminded residents, especially children, not to play around the creek because the water is moving so quickly and is so cold that if someone falls in, they could die.

“Numerous children and adults have been seen playing and walking beyond the flood barriers, with some individuals right by the water’s edge,” Hunter said. “The entire creek bank is soft and potentially unstable, and always has the possibility of suddenly giving away.”

The fire chief also asked everyone living in low-lying areas to have a 72-hour emergency kit or bag ready to go in case of an evacuation notice.