Unprecedented flooding Is currently affecting thousands of residents in the Northwest Territories.
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.
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Evacuation centres |
Official hosting communities |
Communities offering help to evacuees |
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- No matter where you’ve chosen to go or are planning on staying, all Hay River residents should register by calling 1-833-699-0188 or visiting an evacuation centre.
- The Hay River Health Centre is not currently under threat. It is being closely monitored.
- The airport is open for emergency services. Paved runway remains closed due to ice.
- Highway 2 remains closed. All highways continue to be monitored due to high water. Kakisa Access road washed out overnight. Highways 1 and 5 are open.
- Reports of power lines being down – repair work is underway.
- Water has receded from downtown in Hay River. There remains significant flooding in many areas. More may come.
- A boil water advisory remains in 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.
Fort Liard
- Reports have been received of seven homes impacted by localized flooding in Fort Liard, with some fuel spills reported and seven individuals affected.
Jean Marie River
- Flooding remains a risk in Jean Marie River – with the town currently reporting that water levels are close to Evacuation Alert levels. Territorial government stands ready to assist where necessary.
- View the latest updates: Jean Marie River - Facebook
Actions today
Hay River and K’at’lodeeche First Nation
- Food, accommodations, information, and supplies to support evacuees are being coordinated by the Town of Hay River and the territorial government.
- Preliminary damage assessments have begun.
- GNWT staff are coming forward from across government to volunteer to provide help to the flood response.
Fort Liard
- A request for assistance has been received to assist the Hamlet in responding to the needs of seven individuals affected by localized flooding. We are assessing the request and will be in touch with the Hamlet to coordinate.
Jean Marie River
- Regional emergency officials are in regular contact with the community’s emergency management team and stands ready to assist.
Upcoming priorities for operations
Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation
- Get the airport running at full capacity once again.
- Preliminary damage assessments of territorial infrastructure and environmental damage – including fuel spills.
- Continued accommodating of evacuees at evacuation centres in Hay River and Yellowknife.
- Continued monitoring to assure safety of evacuees.
- Continued assistance to the Town of Hay River, Kátł’odeeche First Nation and partner agencies in response needs.
Fort Liard
- Work with community in assisting flood-impacted residents.
- Assess damage to territorial infrastructure.
Jean Marie River
- Preparing to assist if required.
Stay vigilant
Misinformation
There are some saying flooding is over in the area. This is not true – the community states there remains significant risk in the area.
The Town remains restricted for good reason.
Thousands are away from home right now – and that’s really hard. But please – listen to instructions from local officials about when to return. That’s the surest way to stay as safe as possible.
Key messages for staying safe
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, contact your community government: ensuring evacuees are safe is the priority in an emergency.
- Get to safety: follow instructions from local officials.
- If you’re in trouble: find higher ground and call 9-1-1.
- Conserve your cell phone battery: communication is critical right now.
Donations and helping out
When trouble comes, Northerners come together. And that’s amazing – but donation overrun can be problematic. Here are the ways we’re recommending you donate and help out:
- 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
More information
- Town of Hay River Break-up Updates
- Daily water monitoring bulletins
- GNWT Public Safety web page - Program and service updates, evacuation orders, and other safety information
- Environment Canada – Hay River
- Flood Recovery 2022 - What You Need To Know