An emergency supply of bottled water was set to arrive in Kugaaruk later Monday after a local state of emergency was declared there.
Officials in the hamlet of just over 1,000 residents declared the state of emergency Sunday after high tide pushed seawater into the water treatment facility earlier that day, making it unable to provide clean water, according to a post on the Hamlet of Kugaaruk’s Facebook page.
“Nunavut Emergency Management has co-ordinated a flight with bottled water and equipment from Iqaluit to Kugaaruk scheduled to arrive today,” said Ryleigh McPherson, a spokesperson for the organization, in an email.
The state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Measures Act, a document posted on the Kugaaruk Facebook page signed by Mayor Teddy Apsaktaun and SAO Michelle Byers said.
The hamlet advised residents to conserve bottled water for essential uses, prepare 72 hours’ worth of supplies, and check in with friends and neighbours to ensure they are safe.
Government offices and the schools remain closed until further notice, the hamlet announced.
In a separate social media post Sunday, the hamlet said it had an emergency supply of bottled water available for elders age 65 and older; children under two years of age, especially those still drinking formula; breastfeeding or pregnant mothers; people with weak immune systems; and anyone with kidney disease.
Each eligible person will receive one to two litres of water, the announcement said.
“We’re very thankful for all the volunteers and ensuring that everyone is helping each other out during this time and ensuring that everyone has access to their needs,” said Netsilik MLA Cecile Nelvana Lyall, whose riding encompasses Kugaaruk and Taloyoak.
“I’d really like to thank the municipality and the volunteers for coming together,” she said.
Hamlet officials have not yet responded to a request for more information.