Brandon declares state of emergency as Assiniboine River rises

Brandon, Manitoba, has declared a state of emergency as the Assiniboine River continues to rise and is expected to reach a flood peak around July 12. Mayor Jeff Fawcett said the city is raising dikes in some areas and may add more temporary flood protections, including near Grand Valley Road and Conservation Drive, to keep water levels safely above the forecast peak. Provincial officials said they are coordinating with the city and can provide equipment such as sandbags and tube dams if needed. The city is asking residents to stay away from riverbanks, dikes, barricades and flooded roads, and to follow updates from municipal channels. Officials said the emergency response is meant to protect Brandon while nearby regions in western Manitoba deal with severe flooding.