Water levels rising again in Fort Simpson, reaching highest levels yet

Water levels inFort Simpson, N.W.T.,are rising to new extremes.

Local resident Brandon Buggins told CBC on Friday that the water levels are the highestthis season, rising above 16 meters.

Last Friday, the Liard River broke, triggering a local state of emergency, and eventually, mandatory evacuation for those who live on the island, which rests on low ground. Mandatory evacuation was triggered at 14 meters.

Over 700 people have been displaced and evacuated to higher ground or to other N.W.T.communities.

In Dene Zhatie, Fort Simpson is called Ldl K,which means the "place where two rivers meet." The community rests at the foot of two vast rivers, leaving residents at the whim of how the rivers behave as they break up.

Now, the Deh Cho the Mackenzie River has also broken. Buggins saidfrom what he's seen, the river is jammed upstream. Temperatures have dipped over the past couple days, potentially affecting how the river will move.

The village of Fort Simpson posted on Facebook earlier on Friday that water levels were fluctuating, and stopped allowing access onto the island as a result.

Another post said they halted water delivery until water levels stabilize and asked residents to conserve water.

In an interview withCBC's The TrailbreakerFridaymorning, Fort Simpson Mayor Sean Whelly said the water levels have crept over roads, limiting accessibility.

For example, the Rowe's subdivision, which is on high groundbut accessed mainly through a road on lower ground, was inaccessible last night, leaving one resident stuck, Whellysaid.

Uncertainty has emotional toll on residents

Calling from the camping area where many evacuees are resting, referred to as "tent city," Buggins says he's seeing firsthand how uncertainty is affecting the community.

"You can see it in people's faces, they're in panic mode, and they're stressed," he said.

Many are trying to remain positive, but the situation is weighing on people, he said. He added that there are mental health workers around for people to talk to and that people should reach out if they are feeling stressed or unwell.

Spring flooding devastates small community in N.W.T.

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Flooding from the Mackenzie River has devastated the Dene community of Jean Marie River, N.W.T. Nearly all of its 26 homes have been damaged and most of the community has fled.

Whelly visited "tent city" Thursday night, where about 40 people are camped out. He said people were doing well, given the situation.

"They're anxious to see just how high this river might go and waiting to see if the Mackenzie will release," he said.

Whelly said the extent of damage remains unknown.

"There are homes that have had water in their house, completely," he said.

He added that the community's arbour is nearly entirely submerged. It is normally an important place for gathering for the community, providing a place to heal, hold drum dances, exchange ideas and share oral histories.

Dene National Chief Norman Yakeleya said the situation is "unprecedented."

"We're getting hit with a double whammy of the flood situations and COVID-19," he said.

The DeneNation has established a flood relief "command centre" of their own to co-ordinate relief efforts with local governments, volunteers, and people on the ground.

"I can't imagine what they're going through, but we want to be there as much as we can because we know the people who are in these situations. They must be feeling a lot of loss."

Yakeleya said"our first priority is the safety and protection of our people."