Puvirnituq, Que., has declared a state of emergency after a fire destroyed two housing units in the village of 2,100 residents, intensifying an ongoing water shortage crisis. The fire, which began Saturday around 3 p.m., caused no injuries, but firefighters were unable to respond effectively due to limited water access.
The village has faced water scarcity since mid-March when a key pipe between the pump station and treatment plant froze. As a result, hospital patients have been airlifted south, and illnesses like gastroenteritis are spreading rapidly due to inadequate handwashing.
The crisis has been compounded by harsh weather and poor road conditions. Under Quebec’s Act respecting civil protection, Mayor Lucy Qalingo now has emergency powers including evacuation orders, requisitioning resources, and increased spending authority. The emergency can be renewed every 10 days as needed.
Qalingo expressed her frustration on Facebook, criticizing both provincial and federal governments for neglecting Nunavik. She urged authorities not to fail the community, stating, “We don’t have to beg for water. We are also Canadians. Forgotten Canadians.”
Two planes carrying water were dispatched from Montreal on Friday, with more deliveries planned despite possible weather disruptions. The offices of Quebec’s Indigenous Affairs Minister and Canada’s Indigenous Services Minister have been contacted for further action.
Source: Swifteradio.com
