An evacuation order for Fort Albany First Nation was also issued Friday morning after one of the levees protecting the community gave way, according to the community’s Facebook page.

The first flights carrying Kashechevan residents will arrive early next week, according to a statement from the city of Timmins.

The City of Timmins has declared a state of emergency as a preventive measure to allow for rapid mobilization of city personnel if needed.

In an interview, Timmins Mayor Michelle Boileau noted that Indigenous organizations are leading the evacuation efforts and that city officials and other community partners are there to support them.

We have developed a model called stronger togethershe explains to consult the various organizations that contribute to the reception of the evacuees.

” In recent years we have adjusted the model to ensure that it is led by indigenous people, the people affected by this issue. »

According to Ms. Boileau, this approach ensures that the reception of the evacuees meets their needs, particularly in terms of health.

For several years, the Kashechewan First Nation has had to evacuate a portion of its population almost every spring.

A project to move the municipality to a higher sector of its territory is under development.

Evacuation to these higher elevations has also been advocated during the pandemic, rather than going to one of the host communities further south, such as Timmins or Kapuskasing.

In addition, conservation agencies and the province are monitoring water levels in the Sault Ste. Marie and Parry Sound in the North Bay exactly.

Flood warnings and monitoring apply in these areas.