Flooding threatens residents west of Slave Lake

Heavy rain has left part of the Big Lakes municipal district under water, hitting the region just east of the Kinuso hamlet the hardest, along with low lying areas along Swan River.

David Harden is one of the many residents who were forced to flee his home last month, when wildfires threatened the region. Unlike many of those who were evacuated, Harden was lucky enough to have a home that was still standing to return to; and even though he's now dealing with flooding at his farm in Swan Valley, Harden isn't too worried.

"The only thing I was worried about is the animals, and that's the first thing. As far as myself and all that, we can always get out," said Harden.

Despite there being a voluntary evacuation order in place, Leo Dumelie, who lives across the highway from Harden, says he doesn't plan on leaving his livelihood.

"I'm not evacuating. This is my home," said Dumelie. "I've got close to 150 head of stock here, and horses. If they go, I got with them."

Nearly two hundred people did leave their homes on Friday, checking into a Reception Centre and hotels in High Prairie. Red Cross volunteers have been helping at the Centre, but have now been asked to stand down as the situation is improving.

Highway 2, which was closed for part of Saturday, has now been re-opened, allowing motorists to pass through.

Officials from the municipal district say that while the situation is improving, they do not have the manpower to help flood-proof private properties, leaving residents to fend for themselves.

The Big Lakes region is expected to be hit by up to 30 millimetres of more rain Saturday night.

With files from Slav Kornik.