Many residents made the overnight trip to escape the sudden rising waters in the small town in the southern Northwest Territories. All evacuees are asked to register with authorities at the reception centers or by phone at 1 (833) 699-0188.
Authorities say that in all, the arena at the center can accommodate up to 660 people, but that other beds could be installed if the need arises.
According to Deputy Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs Laura Gareau, there were 93 people registered in Yellowknife as of Thursday afternoon, 53 of whom were sleeping there. The NWT capital is not the only city of NWT to welcome those in need.
Fort Providence accommodates 63 people. Most of them are from the K’atl’odeeche First Nation. Several people have also taken refuge at Enterprise, but authorities are unsure how many.
A fourth community, Fort Smith, is ready to receive 50 people if necessary
assured Laura Gareau Thursday during a press conference.
She says one of the current challenges for authorities is knowing how many people will arrive at the Yellowknife sports center in the coming days.
The government prioritizes security
Municipal and Community Affairs Minister Shane Thompson said at the press conference that the government’s priority is the good health and safety of the people of Hay River and the K’atl’odeeche First Nation. .
Please do not return to your communities until it is safe to do so.
he asked the evacuees on Thursday.
Evacuees from Hay River who traveled to Yellowknife are encouraged to register at the sports centre.
Photo: Radio-Canada / HANNAH PAULSON
Caroline Cochrane, the Premier of the Northwest Territories, who called the situation a disastrous
, wanted to show his support for the evacuees. She also said that the government will be present when repairs begin.
We know these are difficult times, but when the time is right, and damages can be accessed, I am committed to ensuring that we are able to support recovery and return in your communities as well that we can.
Shane Thompson adds that the Disaster Assistance Policy, which provides financial assistance to individuals or small businesses to deal with a disaster, has been updated to meet the needs of those affected by flooding.
The United Way of the Northwest Territories announced, for its part, that it had launched a fundraising campaign to support the evacuees of Hay River. While waiting for the money to accumulate, Centraide says it is using its internal funds to deploy the first aid efforts.
The organization notes that it has entered into a partnership with the territorial government. Under it, the territory will donate to the organization the same amount that will be raised, up to a maximum of $150,000.
Private companies have also indicated that they want to donate their collection to the charity’s kitty.
The situation continues to evolve rapidly on the Hay River side. According to the latest government report, the water levels are extremely volatile […] and rapid changes […] remain possible
.
The territorial authorities do not exclude asking for help from the army if the need arises.
With information from Claudiane Samson
Reference-ici.radio-canada.ca