Peguis First Nation has declared a state of emergency, saying evacuations will be required as the Manitoba community braces for a potentially devastating flood in the coming days.

Chief Stan Bird said in an update the First Nation is expecting a flood similar to one that caused the evacuation of more than 1,000 people in 2022 based on the latest forecast.

“Based on information this morning, the flood risk is now a certainty,” Bird said in a video posted on social media Saturday afternoon. “While there is uncertainty regarding when we will be overcome by the rising water, flooding will be extensive.”

The First Nation chief had said Thursday the evacuation of residents of the community about 160 kilometres north of Winnipeg could begin as soon as this weekend.

That’s as hundreds of people including residents, contractors, volunteers and provincial staff members worked around the clock to protect the community ahead of the spring runoff.

More than 200 homes in Peguis First Nation need to be protected ahead of the flood, officials previously said.

“It is absolutely essential homeowners allow the crews to complete the protective work required,” Bird said Saturday.

“If flood protection is denied by homeowners, there’s a strong likelihood crews will not return.”

Peguis has nearly 4,000 registered members living on reserve, according to federal government figures.

Bird said Saturday Peguis is finalizing implementation of an evacuation plan, which will be shared with the community once it’s complete.

“Emergency numbers will be provided,” he said. “The registration process will be very clear, and there will be a point of contact in the various evacuee locations, everything we can possibly think of … to ensure we avoid the chaos and pandemonium.”

The First Nation’s multiplex has been set up to work as an emergency co-ordination hub and evacuation centre, being able to house about 300 people according to officials.

“It is important that you do not panic and overwhelm the flood centre with calls,” he said.

Premier Wab Kinew said while visiting Peguis earlier this week that the province’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre believe a late-season storm will cause the Fisher River to overflow this coming week.

The province had warned there was a high risk of flooding in the Fisher River basin, with warming temperatures set to melt the snow.

Fisher River Cree Nation prepares for evacuations

Fisher River Cree Nation said Saturday it’s also preparing for the potential evacuation of some people in the community northeast of Peguis.

Chief David Crate said Saturday the community is also set to declare a state of emergency Saturday afternoon.

“We have a 32-bed personal care home here,” Crate said. “Through our health unit here, we have a number of individuals that are on dialysis. Those individuals will be evacuated from the community when it’s time.”

Crate said about 40 residences in the First Nation, which has about 1,500 members living on reserve, need flood protection, with some already secured with sandbags.

Fisher River’s schools will continue to operate after the state of emergency is declared, Crate said, with leadership deciding later based on the conditions whether they should be shut down.

“We prepare every year, but there’s apprehension every year,” Crate said.

“The unknown, whether or not the the flood situation is going to be a severe flood or is it just going to be a minor impact on the community. So yeah, there’s apprehension.”