Manitoba Flood Toll Could Equal 1997's

Seemingly endless flooding in Manitoba could cost more than the $270 million lost to the Red River 14 years ago.

The cost of this year's flooding in Manitoba is on its way to equalling the toll wrought from 1997's “flood of the century.” Flooding this year has been more widespread, but not as severe, and has already caused some $200 million in damage throughout the province, particularly along the banks of the Assiniboine River and the shores of Lake Winnipeg. Provincial authorities say that number could approach, or even surpass, the $270 million spent after the 1997 flood, especially when revenue lost due to waterlogged crop land is factored in. Some five million acres of arable land won't be usable this year, a record for the province.