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Evacuation of Attawapiskat Begins - Local Leaders Declare State Of Emergency Because Of Flood Threat

TORONTO, May 9

A severe threat of flooding has prompted the leaders of Attawapiskat to arrange for the airlift of at-risk residents.

The breakup of the Attawapiskat River is creating ice jams that could pose significant risks of flooding in the community, located on the James Bay coast, 500 kilometres north of Timmins. As a result, local leaders have declared a state of emergency, following discussions with provincial and federal officials.