BARRIE

'It's just going to keep coming': Flood waters rise again in Minden

CTV Barrie Published Wednesday, May 10, 2017 2:22PM EDT Last Updated Wednesday, May 10, 2017 6:42PM EDT

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Flood waters rose again overnight in Minden, but some relief could be on the way.

Minden Hills Reeve Brent Devolin says water levels rose another five centimetres in the village. Volunteers and township crews are now stacking more sandbags in the downtown to try and slow the water.

“Last night we had a pump go down and unfortunately it took the funeral home,” says owner Kristen Monk. “The lower level is up nine inches now; it's starting to crest over to the higher part of the funeral home."

Just like the 2013 flood, Monk and her husband will have to rebuild their business. But now they are focused on saving their home next door.

There is some good news. The watershed in the north is expected to crest in the next 24 hours, which could provide some relief.

However, Devolin says, “We’re not out of the woods yet.”

"Two bodies above this may crest today so if that's possible that means within 24 hours we may see some relief. It may continue to rise but maybe at slower rate.”

That news provides little relief for flood victims like Jen Nesbitt. Her home is surrounded by water and the basement is flooded.

“It's coming up through my basement; there is nothing I can do. The pumps won't take it out fast enough. I'm trying to hold back tears; it's a very emotional day because

Flood waters rose again overnight in Minden, but some relief could be on the way.

Just like the 2013 flood, Monk and her husband will have to rebuild their business. But now they are focused on saving their home next door.

There is some good news. The watershed in the north is expected to crest in the next 24 hours, which could provide some relief.

However, Devolin says, “We’re not out of the woods yet.”

"Two bodies above this may crest today so if that's possible that means within 24 hours we may see some relief. It may continue to rise but maybe at slower rate.”

That news provides little relief for flood victims like Jen Nesbitt. Her home is surrounded by water and the basement is flooded.

“It's coming up through my basement; there is nothing I can do. The pumps won't take it out fast enough. I'm trying to hold back tears; it's a very emotional day because it's just going to keep coming."

Her neighbours have packed up and left but she is staying put.

High flood waters have forced about 100 homeowners to voluntarily leave their homes. The reeve says they have planned for the worst.

Officials are asking people who decide to leave their homes to let the township know so they are aware of whose still around.

As the waters rise, the community is rallying together. At the Minden Community Kitchen, volunteers are preparing hot meals daily. Toiletry donations are also being collected.

“We learned from the last time people didn't know what to do. When hydro gets cut off from your house, you can't get clean water and you can't cook a hot meal so we're here to provide that help,” says Marilynne Lesperance.

With no immediate relief, the township plans to close more roads on Thursday.

Her neighbours have packed up and left but she is staying put.

High flood waters have forced about 100 homeowners to voluntarily leave their homes. The reeve says they have planned for the worst.

Officials are asking people who decide to leave their homes to let the township know so they are aware of whose still around.

As the waters rise, the community is rallying together. At the Minden Community Kitchen, volunteers are preparing hot meals daily. Toiletry donations are also being collected.

With no immediate relief, the township plans to close more roads on Thursday.

A look at road closures

Minden Hills: