NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF KAPUSKASING
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The community of Kashechewan has declared an emergency due to a high risk of flooding on the Albany River.
The Ministry of Natural Resources has installed a water flow monitoring station, approximately 120 kilometer south of Kashechewan, on Hat Island.
The water flow is above 7,000 cubic meters per second, a condition causing ice jams and flooding.
Approximately 1,200 residents will be evacuated over the next three to four days.
The first 600 stage 1 residents, which are vulnerable residents, families with young children, elderly, persons with mobility issues or with health issues, will start arriving at the Kapuskasing Airport starting at 11 a.m. this morning with flights arriving every hour.
Evacuation activities will continue until tomorrow.
The first 400 residents will remain in Kapuskasing and will be lodged at local motels, while the next 200 residents will be accommodated in Smooth Rock Falls and other neighbouring communities.
Meals and emergency supplies will served at the Civic Center Auditorium.
The remaining 600 residents will be redirected to other host communities over the weekend.
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