Four days after heavy rains led to extensive flooding of homes and businesses in the city Yorkton Mayor James Wilson said the priority remains the health and safety of citizens.
"The biggest concern is the people and their welfare Nobody's going to be abandoned in this situation," he offered at a press conference held at City Hall Monday morning.
A step in ensuring the safety is making sure adequate housing is available, said Wilson.
Wilson said Tuesday a services information centre set up at the Kinsmen Arena Friday has dealt with more than 800 people, including "close to 250" Monday.
While Red Cross provided up to three days of housing relief, Wilson said they recognize many people could be displaced from their homes because of mold, odors and other situations for longer periods."After the initial three days The province steps in providing the housing," said Wilson, adding cost wise "there is no cost."
Wilson said efforts were under way Monday morning to establish group housing for those in need. He said it would be in place later in the day.
At a press conference Tuesday morning Wilson said a local school board has stepped up to allow use of a school for housing, although he would not release which school citing the privacy of those using the service.
The Mayor said more than 150 people made use of the service Monday.
The number is not the extent of those displaced by the flooding, he noted, since many have chosen to stay with family and friends.
Temporary housing requests can be made to Victims' Services at 783-0483.
At the Tuesday meeting Fire Chief Dean Clark said some 75 homes in Yorkton have had to be abandoned as a result of damage from the storm.
Asked if some of the houses may never e habitable again, Wilson said such a prospect is "certainly a concern we have," adding they do not have an estimate of how many homes might be condemned as a result of damage.
"Some houses have been identified but we don't know how many," he said. In such cases the houses will need to be inspected before residents can return.
Inspectors will also be going to homes in the area hardest hit "wanting to inspect houses."
To help deal with inspections the City of Regina have sent four inspectors to Yorkton.
Wilson said they are also still looking for volunteers to help with the situation, "especially people willing to help clean out basements and remove debris."
People interested in helping out can call 783-0490.
In terms of cleaning up, Wilson said that now becomes a priority.
"We encourage you to clean up. It's dangerous to health not to," he said.
Clark said the health issues include both contagious diseases, and molds when dealing with sewer water back up.
"There could be short and long term effects," he said. " When you're dealing with black water It's nasty."
Clark said safety is a concern, and encouraged people to contact SaskPower and SaskEnergy before entering basements where water has risen above appliances.
Some areas of the city have been hit harder, and Clark said in particular the area bordered by Broadway and Queen Streets from Laurier to Assiniboia Avenues has many homes with extensive damage. The area has been barricaded off.
"We ask people to honour those barricades," he said, adding unless people have direct business there, they should stay away to allow people to do what has to be done.
Wilson also noted those without insurance, or damage not covered in their policy, may be eligible for provincial help. He said the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program "is specifically designed to help where insurance doesn't cover it." People can call 783-0484 for help regarding the program.
