Canada: Kimmirut Declares State of Emergency Amid Ongoing Power Outage

The government of Nunavut has declared a state of emergency in Kimmirut, a hamlet facing critical shortages of food and essential services due to an extended power outage. The blackout, now lasting over two days, has left residents without heating, running water, or refrigeration, putting the community at risk as temperatures drop and food supplies spoil.

Power went out around 4 p.m. on Thursday, as reported by Kimmirut’s search and rescue coordinator, Rosie Akavak. Shortly after, Qulliq Energy Corporation, which supplies electricity to the region, announced that the outage was due to complications with their generators. Despite ongoing efforts to repair the power plant and emergency systems, power had not been restored as of 6 p.m. Saturday.

In response, the Nunavut government issued a state of emergency on Saturday at 4 p.m., aiming to speed up resource deployment to Kimmirut. The health centre in the hamlet has limited operations to emergency cases only, while the local school, powered by a generator, is operating as a warming shelter for residents seeking relief from the cold. Additional support from community organizations has been crucial, with the local search and rescue team supplying naphtha for camp stoves and the housing authority taking steps to prevent pipe freezes.

The food shortage has become the community’s most pressing concern. Without refrigeration, much of the stored food has spoiled, with frozen goods especially affected. Although the school has provided meals using supplies from its breakfast program, these are expected to run out soon, according to Akavak. Families with infants and elders face heightened risk as resources dwindle.

David Joanasie, the local MLA, assured residents that the Nunavut Department of Community and Government Services is collaborating with Qulliq Energy and Kimmirut’s administration to resolve the power issue quickly and secure vital supplies for the hamlet until the crisis is over.