2 families ordered to evacuate as rising Red River threatens to flood near St. Jean Baptiste, Man.

At least two families near St. Jean Baptiste have been told to evacuate as the rising Red River threatens to flood their homes.

Eight other families in the Rural Municipality of Montcalm could soonlose road access to their properties. The municipality declared a state of emergency as water from Red and Roseau rivers is about to cover Provincial Road 246, east of St. Jean Baptiste.

"We've strongly suggested to leave and they agreed with us because it was their first flood like this," said Jean Barnabe, emergency co-ordinator for the municipality.

The families moved into their homesafter the flood in 2011 and this is their first experience with dramatically rising waters. "They don't have boats to get out," Barnabe said.

'Went in circles'

Brittany Burt, oneof the homeowners told to leave, met with Barnabe Sunday morning.

"It's our first flood so I basically went inside and there were so many things running through my mind that I just went in circles for about 10 minutesbecause I didn't know what to do or where to start," she said.

The family was told it could be up to five weeks before they can come back, so they forgot about yard work and started focusing on getting the house ready and figuring out what they needed to take, Burt said.

Other property owners have boats and have been through floods before,Barnabesaid.

Several other roads in the area are already under water.

Crest won't cross border till Friday

The area has had a few flood-free years recently, but water from the Roseau River often spills its banks and goes into the Red, which causes a surge downstream.

There's no threat to the homes themselves yet, Barnabe said.

"Their properties are good, they're either dyked or they're on pads, so their houses are safe," he said.

The crest of the Red River is expected to reach Pembina,N.D. by Friday, and Barnabe said the crest usually reaches St. Jean Baptiste two or three days later. To buy some time until the gravel road eventually washes out, the municipality is laying berms to block the water.

"If the water does go over, is it going to wash out anyway. We're just trying to hold it for a little longer," he said.

Because the RM ordereda mandatory evacuation for the two families, Barnabe said they are able to access assistance for accommodations and other needs.