Band flees flood in fear

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Raging rivers caused the evacuation of more than 100 Driftpile band members from their homes Saturday during a weekend of heavy rainfalls.

The incident was reminiscent of last year's devastation which left one band member dead, said Driftpile Chief Clifford Freeman.

The river has receded and the people have now returned to their homes.

"But now we have to look at what kind of flood prevention can be done," Freeman said.

He said his band suffered ore than $1 million in damages in last years flood and is still waiting for $400,000 from the provincial government for repairs.

"We also want them to evaluate the damages to some homes and one of our schools and hopefully have them say it's irreplaceable," he said.

"We also want them to relocate some of our people where it is safe.

Band elder Sam Isadore die of a heart attack during a similar flood last July after wading through treacherous streams from his house to higher ground.

High water advisories were issued for the Pembina and Athabasa Rivers Saturday.

"Everything is back to normal now," Freeman confirmed.

Driftpile is located 300 km northwest of Edmonton and has 400 band members.

The heavy rains also affected other northern Alberta communities and caused flooding in low-lying areas.

Freeman said his band plans to collect money from the province for damages and lodging for the evacuated residents.

Band members, fleeing from the flood, stayed in motels in Grand Prairie.