Twelve days after heavy rains flooded homes and business in Yorkton the city remains under a State-of-Emergency.
Yorkton Mayor James Wilson said the water has subsided but there are still concerns to be dealt with.
"Some people still in their homes may be susceptible to long term health issues," he said, adding two families came forward Monday when conditions deteriorated in their homes. "This is poison," he said, suggesting people should not be risking exposure.
When it comes to accommodation Wilson said the Red Cross provided the initial three days for families, at a cost of about $50,000 in Yorkton.
From there SIGN and Emergency Social Services have taken over.
In some cases housing may be needed long term. Wilson said as of last Thursday five homes in the city have been taped off because of structural concerns making them unsafe to occupy. However, he said no houses have been completely condemned yet.
As for the impact in the city, Wilson said the statistics are startling. Again as of last Thursday there had been an estimated 2,000 insurance claims in the city, and more than 900 applications for provincial disaster assistance.
There were 90 SaskPower service cut-offs and 130 by SaskEnergy.
The Salvation Army assisted more than 1,500 people, and Emergency Social Services dealt with 1,000 at their location at the Kinsman Arena.
From a city perspective Wilson said they have had requests for some 265 building inspections, having completed 165 as of Thursday, and public works has had nearly 500 requests for curbside collection of water damaged goods.
Wilson said he anticipates the cost to the City of Yorkton will be at least $250,000.
On a positive note Wilson said volunteers from within the city and around the province have helped the situation, and donations are beginning to flow to help with the costs.
