Fort William First Nation assessing flood damage

The chief of Fort William First Nation says an emergency response team is still assessing the extent offlood damage in the community.

On Monday, Chief Georjann Morriseau declared a state ofemergency, saying thatthe residents of 40 to 60 homes were at risk.

"Many of our roads have been washed out," she said.

"Some of our homes are flooded almost up into their main level. So [theres] a lot of flooding and a lot of damage to infrastructure and whatnot."

Morriseau said the First Nation was asking all residentsto reduce water use as much as possible until they canchecktheir lagoon and water system.

"We haveclosed down all businesses on Fort William First Nation just to limit the amount of water use," she added.

Morriseau said about 30 families from theSquaw Bay area of the community were relocated last night.Many people went to theVictoria Inn in Thunder Bay, she said.

Their homes were either in danger of flooding, or they would have been isolated because of road closures around them.

"I think everybody's a little bit worried," Morriseau said. "Especially those who have flooded homes we want them to know that we're doing what we can right now to make sure that we are accommodating them and putting them up in their hotels and making sure that they have access to all services and needs."

Shesaid about 170 peoplehave beenaffected in total.

Morriseau said Fort William First Nation was working withEmergency Management Ontario, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the federal Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs to deal with the crisis.Thunder Bay mayor KeithHobbs has also offered the city's help.