Evacuation order in place for Vale Island and West Channel, Hay River

The town of Hay River, N.W.T., issued an evacuation order for residents of Vale Island and West Channel at 9 p.m. Monday because of a flood threat.

According toa town Facebook post, residents under the evacuation order are required to register in person at the Hay River Community Centre or by phone at 833-699-0188. Assistance is available for anyone who needs help to evacuate at the same number.

A precautionary flood evacuation notice was issued for Vale Island and West Channel on April 30. Residents were toldto prepare for possible evacuation onshort notice.

Approximately 200 households could be affected by Monday's order.

Vale Island, also known as Hay River's old town, issurrounded by Great Slave Lake in the north and two channels of the Hay River on either side. The island islisted by the federal governmentas the one of the most at-risk areas in the N.W.T. for spring floods.

The evacuation is complicated by rules surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in the N.W.T.

"In the past, when there was an evacuation, people would stay with family, with friends or in a few cases they would stay in evacuation centres," Glenn Smith, Hay River's assistant senior administrative officer, previously told CBC News.

"This year, it won't be allowed."