People on Sask. First Nation moved to hotels over flood concerns

About 100 people from the James Smith Cree Nation will be relocated to hotels in nearby Melfort, Sask., as a precaution over flood risks in the area.

A state of emergency was declared Tuesday afternoon, motivated mainly by deteriorating conditions on the road on the southern part of the reserve located 180 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon.

The spring thaw has made roads muddy and nearly impassable, putting access to emergency services at risk.

Chief Wally Burns things were so bad last weekend that an ambulance got stuck, then the tow truck called out to help got stuck, and then the RCMP who responded to that call got stuck.

The reserve’s health staff have been going door-to-door to ensure everyone on their records is accounted for and aware of what is happening.

Diabetic people and those with health issues are a high priority.

A statement from the band office said there will be no water delivery, sewer pump outs or garbage pick-ups until road conditions improve.

-with files from paNOW.com