Dauphin declares local state of emergency after severe flooding

Dauphin, Man., has declared a local state of emergency after heavy rain caused severe flooding across the city. Mayor David Bosiak said the flooding is among the worst he has seen in his lifetime, with about 115 millimetres of rain falling since Sunday night. Officials said the Vermillion River overflowed and flooded Vermillion Park before water moved into parts of the city, including the lower north end. Streets, basements, and stormwater systems have been affected, and several businesses and homes have reported damage. Some residents have been displaced, and the city has opened a command centre at city hall while advising people to avoid nonessential travel. The flooding also forced the Dauphin Regional Health Centre’s emergency department to close temporarily after water affected areas near the hospital and emergency generators. Provincial emergency officials are helping on site, and nearby municipalities have also declared states of emergency as cleanup and recovery efforts begin.