Flooding in the Hay River community worsened overnight, prompting the municipality to ask residents to do so to head to Yellowknife or the community center.
In its most recent statement, Thursday morning, Hay River Township advised that a new wave of water and ice is currently crossing the community and residents should expect new waves in the next few hours.
Authorities are asking those in the community to stay in their homes and not go out on the streets, where the movement of chunks of ice could cause damage.
It was a long and difficult night for the residents, many of whom were in submerged areas, hampering efforts to evacuate their homes.
Schools are closed
The director of the Commission scolaire francophone des Territoires du Nord-Ouest (CSFTNO), Yvonne Careen, explained that all schools in Hay River have decided to close their doors on Thursday morning.
He said the École Boréale had not been affected by the floods at the moment, but classes had been canceled. for the safety of all.
He added that only the director was on site on Thursday morning to make sure no students would show up.
Ms. said. Careen that some employees of this school were heading to Yellowknife to be rescued.
Some staff from École Allain St Cyr in Yellowknife have opened their homes to receive colleagues and family from Hay River, as needed.
CSFTNO aims to take advantage of the next few days to assess the needs of the community and take the necessary steps to meet them, such as collecting clothes or donations.
So far, there have been no discussions about the possible temporary placement of Hay River students at Allain St Cyr.
” We are keeping a close eye on the situation, we will make decisions next week. “
Thursday morning, the leadership of the École Boréale announced on social networks that classes have been suspended until further notice.
The water continues to rise, according to readings
According to the latest hydrometric readings, the Hay River level has risen 1.7 meters over the past three days and continues to rise.
Changes in ice and an ice jam caused this rapid rise, causing flooding in the Hay River and the Kátł’odeeche First Nation.
According to the Northwest Territories Department of Environment and Natural Resources, however, the level of some Alberta tributaries of the Hay River has begun to drop.
“Levels Invisible”
In a joint statement, the territory’s premier, Caroline Cochrane, and municipal and community affairs minister, Shane Thompson, called on the levels reached by the Hay River not yet seen.
They said the Emergency Management Organization is diligent in supporting those affected by the floods, in particular by ensuring the establishment of evacuation shelters.
Source: Radio-Canada
