The province’s Minister of Infrastructure, Ron Schuler, gave an update Thursday afternoon concerning flooding in southwest and western Manitoba.

Some areas have recorded record-high precipitation levels of up to 200 mm over the past few days, causing water levels to rise in rivers and creeks in the affected areas.

On Wednesday night, Schuler announced people downstream of the dam in Rivers Manitoba should evacuate their homes.

“The dam at Rivers is experiencing a flood of historic proportions that is equivalent to a 1-in-1,000-year flood event. The water level at the dam near Rivers Manitoba is at its highest level ever,” Schuler said.

The Infrastructure Minister says water levels at the dam have started to drop.

At least 80 people have been evacuated in Rivers and the rural municipalities of Riverdale and Whitehead. Three people from Neepawa have also evacuated.

In Brandon, evacuations order have not been issued, but the city’s mayor says evacuation preparation notices have been handed out to hundreds of homes in case an emergency arises.

Manitoba Infrastructure crews are working in the flood-affected areas, monitoring water level conditions and inspecting infrastructure.

Property owners are advised to take precautions, as water levels could rise significantly in a short period of time in the affected areas.