Sécurité publique - Public Safety

NWT Flood Response Update - May 12, 2022, 17:00pm

Public Safety Bulletin

Yellowknife — May 12, 2022

Unprecedented flooding Is currently affecting thousands of residents in the Northwest Territories.

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Current status

Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation

Communities remain lead on response activities. Territorial and Regional Emergency Management Organizations are fully activated and providing resources for planning, coordination, and emergency management operations. These updates are shared to amplify the latest information.

Contact the Town of Hay River or Kátł’odeeche First Nation for the latest updates on-the-ground.

  • Get the latest local updates:
  • Evacuation order is in-place for entire Town of Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation. Everyone must leave. Register by calling: 1-833-699-0188
  • Evacuation centres have been established at:
    • Hay River Community Centre
    • Yellowknife Multiplex
    • To register, call: 1-833-699-0188
  • The Hay River Health Centre is not under threat at this time. It is being closely monitored.
  • Ice jams remain in the vicinity of the Town of Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation. Water levels are extremely volatile. Rapid changes in water levels remain possible.
  • A boil water advisory has been issued for Hay River, Enterprise, Kakisa and Kátł’odeeche First Nation.
  • Some fuel spills have been reported in the area. GNWT officials will assess when the flood waters recede. This cannot currently be done due to safety issues.
  • Town of Hay River hospital remains in operation. Contingency plans are in place to evacuate if it becomes necessary.
  • The Village of Fort Simpson has offered assistance to individuals affected by the floods.

Fort Liard

  • Reports have been received of seven homes impacted by localized flooding in Fort Liard. 
  • Some fuel spills have been reported.
  • Water has dropped for now – but the situation is still being monitored.

Jean Marie River

  • No movement of ice near community thus far. Community flood watch continues. The territorial government is monitoring the situation and ready to deploy assistance if needed.
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Actions today

Hay River and K’at’lodeeche First Nation

  • An evacuation centre has been established in Yellowknife. At last update, 93 had registered at the evacuation centre, with 53 choosing to stay. Others are using alternate accommodations. More are expected.
  • Food, accommodations, information, and supplies to support evacuees are in place.
  • Territorial campgrounds will be open for complementary stays for evacuees wishing to camp or park their RVs.  Evacuees must present ID upon arrival. The following locations are available:
    • Twin Falls, Louise Falls, Escarpment Creek: Contact Marc Schmitz at (867) 875-7569
    • Fred Henne Territorial Park: will accommodate evacuees in overflow sites if needed. Contact Heidi Kane at (867) 446-4306
  • The airport runway will be inspected, in hopes of resuming operations as soon as safely possible.
  • All long-term care residents were safely evacuated from Woodland Manor and Supportive Living and have been temporarily relocated to the Hay River Regional Health Centre. 
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Priorities for operations tomorrow

  • Continued accommodating of evacuees at evacuation centres in Hay River and Yellowknife.
  • Continued monitoring of flooding to assure safety of evacuees.
  • Continued assistance to the Town of Hay River, Kátł’odeeche First Nation and partner agencies in response.
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Staying safe in a flood

We know there is fear and anxiety out there right now. And that’s totally natural. The best way to channel that anxiety is to take steps to control your risk. The key messages today are:

  • If it’s flooded, don’t cross it: just six inches of water can sweep a full-grown adult away. Please – avoid crossing flooded areas. Instead, call 9-1-1 and seek help.
  • Wherever you are, register: Ensuring evacuees are safe is the priority in an emergency. Call 1-833-699-0188 to register.
  • Get to safety now: if you’re in Hay River, go to the community centre . Responders may not be able to rescue everyone who gets stuck.
  • If you’re in trouble: find higher ground and call 9-1-1.
  • Conserve your cell phone battery: communication is critical.
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Donations and helping out

Donation overrun can be problematic. Here are the ways we’re recommending you donate.

  • Donate cash to United Way: United Way’s flood campaign is endorsed by the Town of Hay River and GNWT. Cash will be able to be put to good use and won’t overrun responders.
  • Hay River Helps: community members are currently working together to coordinate needs for evacuees.
  • Caremongering Yellowknife: Facebook group currently connecting folks with help they need
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More information

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