A northern Manitoba community has declared a State of Emergency after a hydro line went down over the weekend.
Pimicikamak Cree Nation says the outage in Cross Lake began Sunday night after a power line crossing the Nelson River went down.
“The power outage is a result of a power line broken about ten kilometres from Cross Lake, and it is right over the water, said Chief of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, David Monias, in a post on Facebook.
The State of Emergency for the reserve of Cross Lake was declared due to the widespread and ongoing power outage that is affecting homes, critical infrastructure and essential services.
“The loss of power poses a serious risk to the health and safety of our people,” said Monias. “Elders, children, families, and medically vulnerable individuals are being impacted by the inability to heat homes, preserve food and medications, access clean water, and maintain reliable communication and emergency services.”
Manitoba Hydro says they are working to access the damage site, and they expect to be able to have the necessary construction crews and equipment in the area by mid-afternoon today. From there, they will begin prep work.
“We need at least one full day of daylight to safely perform the majority of the work, including reconnecting the power line across the river,” said Manitoba Hydro in a post on social media.
In the meantime, Chief Monias is working on activating emergency response protocols, opening warming and support centres, and requesting immediate assistance from Manitoba Hydro, the Province of Manitoba, and the Government of Canada.
People with babies have been placed at a public works building and at the old nursing station in town. And Chief Monias says if needed, elders and vulnerable people will be sent to Thompson to hotels.
“Our Nation expects an urgent and coordinated response,” said Chief Monias. “The safety and well-being of our citizens must be treated as a priority, not an afterthought. Pimicikamak will continue to take all necessary actions to protect our people until power is fully restored and the risk to public safety has been resolved.”
Manitoba Hydro says it is aiming to have power restored by 6 p.m. Wednesday, provided the weather allows for helicopter operations.
