Ottawa Deploys Military as Thousands Evacuate Pimicikamak Cree Nation
The Canadian government is deploying military support to the Pimicikamak Cree Nation following extensive damage caused by a prolonged power outage. This situation led to the evacuation of thousands of residents, and reports indicate severe plumbing issues affecting local homes.
Military Support for Pimicikamak Cree Nation
Eleanor Olszewski, Canada’s Minister of Emergency Management, announced the deployment of a specialized team from the Canadian Armed Forces. The team will focus on critical support areas, including water treatment, sewage systems, power generation, and project management.
Request for Assistance
The military’s involvement comes in response to a formal request made by the Pimicikamak Cree Nation nine days prior. Local leaders emphasized the urgent need for expert plumbers and technicians, as repairs are anticipated to take weeks, if not months.
Extent of Damage
- Over 1,300 homes are impacted.
- Approximately 200 homes are deemed unlivable.
- 4,000 residents have been evacuated to areas including Winnipeg and Thompson.
Pimicikamak, located about 530 kilometers north of Winnipeg, has a population of approximately 7,000. The community faced a significant crisis when a power line malfunction on December 28 led to a four-day blackout.
Impact of the Power Outage
The outage resulted in frozen pipes that subsequently burst when power was restored. The situation has exacerbated plumbing problems, prompting further urgency for repairs and essential services.
As the government responds to this emergency, ongoing assessments are being conducted to gauge the full extent of the damage caused by the power failure.
