UPDATE: Local state of emergency in Pangnirtung - April 4, 2015
Emergency Bulletin
UPDATE: Local state of emergency in Pangnirtung
April 4, 2015 - CURRENT UPDATE: 12 p.m.
Iqaluit, NU
The Hamlet of Pangnirtung declared a local state of emergency on April 2, 2015 due to a fire at the power plant, resulting in community-wide power outages.
The Government of Nunavut (GN), Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) and the Hamlet of Pangnirtung along with several of its territorial and federal partners, have taken swift action to ensure the safety of residents of Pangnirtung and restore power services to the community.
QEC restored partial power to the community on the evening of Thursday, April 2. Power services remain on a regular four hour rotation until full power is restored to the entire community. Residents are reminded to conserve power for basic necessities.
Additional QEC equipment arrived in the community on the morning of April 4.
Technicians are in Pangnirtung and are working to restore additional services to the community, including phone service and internet.
Fuel services are operating regularly, including the delivery of home heating and jet fuel.
Stores in the community are open from 1-5 p.m. daily. Residents are reminded to check all perishable foods before consuming to ensure they are safe to eat. If using portable heating or cooking devices in the home, ensure proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Barbecues should never be used indoors.
Residents are reminded to conserve water and practice safe hygiene practices (hand washing, waste management) until all services are restored.
Health care workers will be checking in on elders and persons requiring assistance. Anyone in need of medical care or assistance is advised to present themselves at the community health centre or call 867-473-8977.
The local state of emergency will remain in place until power is restored to the entire community.
The GN would like to extend its gratitude to the Hamlet of Pangnirtung for their excellent work in coordinating the response efforts within the community, and would like to thank all of the partnering departments, agencies and community organizations for their continued assistance in responding to this emergency.
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Media Contact:
Hillary Casey
Information Officer
Nunavut Emergency Management
867-975-5342