The chief of Pimicikamak Cree Nation in Manitoba has reported a critical situation affecting approximately 4,000 residents who have been unable to return to their community. This crisis has escalated due to the freezing of the water system following an extended power outage that lasted several days.
Chief David Monias announced that Manitoba Hydro had restored power to the community on a Friday after an outage caused by a downed power line the previous weekend. However, upon restoring electricity to homes, the community discovered that its water infrastructure, including plants, pumps, tanks, and pipes, had frozen, further complicating the already dire conditions.
The chief emphasized the grave implications of the frozen water system, particularly for vulnerable populations such as elders and children. Additionally, there have been reports of water infiltrating the electrical sockets of various homes, which has heightened safety concerns. Since the onset of the power outage, there have been four recorded fires within the community, and 35 homes have been rendered uninhabitable as a result of these cascading issues.
In light of the situation, Chief Monias has reiterated his urgent plea for assistance made in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Mark Carney. He called for the immediate mobilization of the Canadian Armed Forces’ Joint Task Force West to provide essential emergency services, including logistical support for water delivery and sanitation needs.
Monias underscored the pressing issues facing the community, stating, "We need help with major infrastructure." The chief indicated that the risk of electrocution is present due to the water accumulation on the ground. Other significant concerns include damaged flooring, cracked windows, and non-functional appliances and toilets due to freezing conditions. He also highlighted the dire lack of food and clean water, asserting, "We’re running out of food. We’re running out of water."
As of Saturday, Manitoba's provincial government had yet to respond to inquiries regarding the ongoing situation. Public Safety Canada issued a statement on Thursday, indicating that they were closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with Indigenous Services and the provincial government of Manitoba. Soraya Lemur, press secretary for Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski, mentioned that federal and provincial officials, along with various non-governmental and Indigenous organizations, are actively working together to address the community's urgent needs.
In response to the crisis, Manitoba Hydro has provided significant support, including a large generator to restore power to one of the water treatment facilities and eight generators to facilitate the operation of heavy-duty heaters to aid the community during the outage.
The power outage was triggered when a 300-meter-long power line, which connects two islands in the Nelson River, broke, resulting in the widespread electrical failure that has had devastating implications for the Pimicikamak Cree Nation.
