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A second fly-in Cree community on Ontario’s James Bay Coast is now being evacuated with the rising risk of spring flooding.
Fort Albany First Nation announced that the first 185 people are expected to be airlifted to Cochrane on Wednesday.
“So it’s been declared a full stage evacuation,” Fort Albany emergency coordinator Amy Nakogee posted on Facebook.
“For today, the priority will be given to families with small children and the home care clients.”
The First Nation of 1,200 last evacuated due to flooding risk in 2023, the same year the community had another evacuation because of a nearby wildfire.
“Please stay safe, stay viligant, and take all the necessary precautions. Keep a close watch on your children. Take care of each other,” reads a statement from Fort Albany chief and council.
The nearby Kashechewan First Nation began its annual precautionary evacuation a few weeks ago.
Chief Hosea Wesley says by the end of the day Wednesday, a total of 1,000 people will have been flown out, which is about half of the on reserve population.
He says there is a large ice jam in the Albany River, forcing water toward the two communities.
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