Niverville flash flood overwhelms sewer

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/08/2014 (3527 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

More than five inches of rain was dumped on Niverville early Friday afternoon, overwhelming the community’s sewer system and causing extensive overland flooding.

Some water flowed directly into sewer manholes, resulting in immediate sandbagging around the affected areas to prevent further flooding. Niverville Fire and EMR Services helped pump out the sewer system. 

Town staff also report that water sneaked into some buildings, car engines were stalling and recently laid sod was floating down some streets. Officials described the rainfall amount the community endured in a short time period as “unprecedented.”

Niverville councillor Myron Dyck said the town’s two five-inch gauges were overflowing with water.

The town is encouraging residents who sustained flooding to photograph any damage incurred on their property and consider applying for Disaster Financial Assistance.

By late this afternoon, most overland flooding had receded as the community’s sewer system was continuing to recuperate.

An update provided to the community on Facebook after 6:20 p.m. Friday evening reported that basement flooding continues in the Highlands subdivision.

Any residents who have begun cleanup efforts will shortly be able to use large waste collection bins at one of three locations, the Word of Life Church’s east parking lot (233 Third Street South), Maranatha Church parking lot (99 Main Street) and the Centennial Arena parking lot (Arena Road).