Fire forces Puvirnituq, Que., to declare state of emergency as water shortage continues
The small village of Puvirnituq in Nunavik, Quebec, is facing a state of emergency as a fire destroyed two housing units, exacerbating the already dire water shortage crisis. With a population of 2,100 people, the limited water supply in the community has made it challenging for firefighters to contain the fire that started on Saturday afternoon.
The water shortage in Puvirnituq began in mid-March when a pipe connecting the pump station to the treatment plant froze. The lack of access to clean water has not only affected firefighting efforts but has also led to water shortages at the local health center, prompting some patients to be flown south for medical care. The chief public health officer of Nunavik has warned of the rapid spread of illnesses like gastroenteritis due to the lack of sanitation facilities.
The village council declared a state of emergency on Saturday evening, invoking Article 19 of the province’s Act respecting civil protection to promote disaster resilience. This declaration grants Mayor Lucy Qalingo various powers, including ordering evacuations, requisitioning necessary resources for rescue services, and allocating additional funds to address the crisis.
Despite the emergency declaration, challenging weather conditions, such as slushy roads, have hampered relief efforts. The mayor took to Facebook to express frustration at the lack of support from both provincial and federal governments, urging them not to fail the community in its time of need.
Canada’s newly sworn-in Indigenous services minister, Mandy Gull-Masty, has reached out to provincial and community leadership to offer support. The office of Quebec’s minister responsible for relations with First Nations and Inuit, Ian Lafrenière, has also pledged assistance, with water deliveries scheduled to alleviate the water shortage in Puvirnituq.
Dr. Marie-Faye Galarneau, a former family doctor in the region, resigned recently due to the deteriorating health-care conditions. She criticized the lack of a comprehensive plan to address the water crisis, noting that residents have been without adequate water and sanitation for weeks.
Despite the state of emergency, the Kativik Regional Government and the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services stated that their operations remain unaffected. The NRBHSS is coordinating civil security efforts and providing support to the Inuulitsivik Health Centre, where patients are being flown south for treatment.
The situation in Puvirnituq continues to unfold, with efforts underway to address the water shortage crisis and provide essential services to the community. The collaboration between different levels of government and health authorities is crucial in ensuring the well-being of residents in the face of this emergency.
