Canada declares state of emergency in Manitoba: Urgent evacuation underway
The authorities in Manitoba have declared a state of emergency due to massive wildfires. Urgent evacuation of over 17,000 residents has already begun — the largest such operation in recent decades.
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The Canadian province of Manitoba has declared a state of emergency to organize a swift and safe evacuation of people from areas affected by wildfires.
On May 28, Premier Wab Kinew announced the decision. It was made amid the rapid spread of fire in the northern part of the province.
According to Kinew, the top priority is people’s safety: “We can only get through this together.” Based on recommendations from emergency management services, the emergency has been declared for 30 days, with a possibility of extension. This will help coordinate efforts between local, provincial, and federal authorities.
Evacuation has already begun in the city of Flin Flon and the communities of Pimicikamak and Mathias Colomb. All residents and visitors must leave dangerous areas by midnight.
Kinew said he personally spoke with the Prime Minister of Canada and requested assistance from the armed forces for transporting evacuees.
People are urged to follow emergency service instructions and, if possible, stay with relatives in safe areas.
For those with nowhere to go, a reception center has been opened in Winnipeg — at the Billy Mosienko Arena, 709 Keewatin St. The center is operating 24/7.
The government is asking all evacuees to register on the Red Cross website or by phone. This will help maintain contact, provide assistance, and allocate resources where they’re most needed.
Earlier it was reported that South Korea faced devastating wildfires in the southern part of the country — dozens of fires broke out in Ulsan and surrounding areas. The authorities declared a national disaster following the deaths of four people and serious threats to the population.