Sécurité publique - Public Safety

NWT Flood Response Update: May 20, 2022, 17:00pm

Public Safety Bulletin

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

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Current status

Water levels and flow

The Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation emergency has transitioned from response to recovery. 

Communities are the lead on response and recovery activities and are supported by the GNWT as needed. 

Territorial and Regional Emergency Management Organizations are activated and providing resources for planning, coordination, and emergency management and recovery operations.

These updates are shared to amplify the latest information.

  • Evacuation orders have been lifted in Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation. All residents are now permitted to return to their communities.

Disaster Assistance registration and support

  • Enhanced disaster assistance announced by the GNWT is available for those affected in Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation. 
  • All affected residents are encouraged to register to begin this process. GNWT staff are on-site at the Hay River Community Centre to assist with completing the required form(s) to apply for disaster assistance.
  • Pathfinders are also available by phone to guide you through the registration process at 867-767-9161 ext. 21031 or flood@gov.nt.ca 

Evacuation centre update

  • Demand for overnight sheltering at the Yellowknife evacuation centre has ramped down with all individuals who were accessing this support intending to travel home by Saturday, May 21st. The last night for overnight sleeping at the evacuation centre will be Friday, May 20th
  • The Evacuation Centre site, now located at the Ed Jeske arena surface at the Yellowknife Multiplex, will remain open through the May long weekend to provide food, donations, and information. 
  • The NTHSSA would like to thank the City of Yellowknife and all of the residents who pitched in to assist in welcoming Hay River evacuees in their time of need.

Roads

  • GNWT staff are monitoring all highways in the South Slave region. For highway conditions visit: https://www.dot.gov.nt.ca/Highways/Highway-Conditions
    • Highway from the NWT-Alberta border to Enterprise is open, with one lane traffic at kilometre 56-80.
    • Highway 1 from kilometre 236-238 is open to one-lane traffic. 
    • Highway 2 is now open and resuming regular operations. 
  • GNWT staff are assessing GNWT assets for potential damage due to flooding – including assessing electrical systems in flood damaged buildings with Northland Utilities.
  • The GNWT Driver and Vehicle Services office is open and operating under regular hours – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fees are being waived for anyone who has lost their NWT driver’s licence or NWT General Identification Card in the flood. Identification will be re-issued for those who may not have back-up documentation at this time.
  • The MV Lafferty ferry at the Liard River crossing is open. Travellers can expect delays in service due to changing conditions.
     

Rest of NWT

Flood risk remains in other areas downstream on the Mackenzie River.

There are some communities that remain at higher risk of flooding than others.

  • Nahanni Butte (South Nahanni River, Liard River)
  • Fort Liard (Liard River)
  • Aklavik (Mackenzie River)
  • Fort Good Hope (Mackenzie River)

It’s not too late to take actions to be ready before the water comes. Get simple, practical tips: 

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Actions today

Hay River and K’at’lodeeche First Nation

  • GNWT hired contractors continue assessment work in Hay River and K’at’lodeeche First Nation.  
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Donations, helping out, and helpful local links

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:

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More information

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