North

Aklavik, N.W.T., lifts state of emergency

Mayor Arnie Steinwand says the water is still high but there isn't a need to evacuate.

Water levels have been dropping overnight

The Hamlet of Aklavik, N.W.T., lifted the state of emergency in the community Tuesday afternoon.

Mayor Arnie Steinwand said the water is still high but there is no need to evacuate.

The water levels in Aklavik, N.W.T., have been dropping overnight. (Photo courtesy of Charlie Furlong)

Over the weekend an ice jam on the Peel Channel pushed the river levels up by more than five metres, or 15 feet. This caused the mayor to declare a state of emergency in the hamlet of 700 people Sunday night.

Steinwand said the water levels dropped another two inches overnight.

Forecasts call for snow and rain over the next few days, but Steinwand says he's confident the community will be safe.

The road to the airport is still clear, although the road to the dump and sewage station is still under water.

The band office and schools will remain closed until further notice.