Since Thursday, the Yellowknife Sports Center has been welcoming evacuees from the Hay River who have traveled 5 hours to reach the NWT capital.
Many residents made the overnight trip to escape the sudden rise of water in the small town in the southern Northwest Territories. All evacuees are encouraged to register with authorities at reception centers or by phone at 1-833-699-0188.
Authorities say that, in total, the arena in the center can accommodate up to 660 people, but more beds can be set up if needed.
According to Deputy Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs Laura Gareau, there were 93 people registered in Yellowknife on Thursday afternoon, 53 of them sleeping there. The capital of the NWT is not the only city of NWT to accept those in need.
Fort Providence accommodates 63 people. Most of them are from the K’atl’odeeche First Nation. A few people also took refuge in the Enterprise, but authorities aren’t sure how many.
The fourth community, Fort Smith, is willing to accommodate 50 people, if neededLaura Gareau confirmed at a press conference on Thursday.
He added that one of the current difficulties, for authorities, is figuring out how many people will be coming to the sports center in Yellowknife in the next few days.
The government puts security first
At the press conference, Municipal and Community Affairs Minister Shane Thompson said the government’s priority is the health and safety of Hay River residents and the K’atl’odeeche First Nation.
Please do not return to your communities until it is safe to do so.he asked evacuees on Thursday.
Caroline Cochrane, the Premier of the Northwest Territories, called the situation a harmful, wants to show his support to the evacuees. He also said the government was there when the renovations started.
We know times are hard, but when the time is right and we can access the injuries, I promise to make sure we can support recovery and get back to our communities as best we can. .
Shane Thompson added 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 the floods.
The United Way of the Northwest Territories has announced, in part, that it has launched a fundraising campaign to support Hay River refugees. While waiting for the money to arrive, Centraide said it is using internal funds to launch first aid measures.
The organization enters into a partnership with the territorial government: the territory will match the amount raised to the organization, up to a maximum of $ 150,000.
Private companies also said they would participate in the charity’s fundraiser.
The situation continues to develop rapidly on the side of the Hay River. Water levels are highly variable […] and rapid change […] remain possible says the latest government report.
Territorial authorities do not rule out solicitation of help from the army, if necessary.
With information from Claudiane Samson
Source: Radio-Canada
