Update: Pangnirtung Local State of Emergency

Press Release

On the Hamlet of Pangnirtung declared a local state of emergency after the community’s water treatment plant stopped producing water.

The Government of Nunavut (GN) is coordinating support to the community through the Department of Community Services’ Nunavut Emergency Management (NEM) division. This includes shipments of bottled water, deployment of stainless-steel pumps to draw water directly from the reservoir, and technical expertise to support the hamlet’s water treatment plant.

The hamlet owns and operates the water treatment plant and is working closely with the GN throughout their response.

Schools and GN offices are closed until further notice. The Department of Family Services and the Department of Health will continue to provide limited services. Residents can reach an on-call social worker at 867-473-1923, Income assistance at 1-844-392-4453, and the on-call nurse at 867-473-8977. A boil water advisory is in effect, and all water must be boiled for at least one minute before use. This also includes any water drawn from natural sources, such as rivers and lakes.

Residents are encouraged to conserve bottled water for essential uses, prepare for up to 72 hours with available supplies, check in on family and neighbours, and follow official updates from the hamlet.

Contact

Ryleigh McPherson
NEM Communications
Department of Community Services
867-222-4262
RMcPherson2@gov.nu.ca

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