(1:30 p.m. update) Evacuation efforts continue in Wawa area
Monday, October 29, 2012 by: SooToday.com Staff
OPP NEWS RELEASE
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State of emergency in Wawa
Final Evacuation of Michipicoten First Nation
WAWA, ON – The Ontario Provincial Police Superior East Wawa Detachment and the Municipality of Wawa advise that the State of Emergency continues for the municipality.
Michipicoten First Nation has entered into a Phase 2 Evacuation.
In partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Environment and Wilderness Helicopters the remainder of the residents are being evacuated today.
Beginning at 1 p.m. approximately 30 community members will be flown out to Wawa.
The Municipality of Wawa and the Red Cross are arranging for accommodations and meals for the evacuees.
Road work continues on the Harbour Road into the Michipicoten First Nation.
The OPP are requesting that the public remain away from this area.
This will allow the municipality’s Public Works Department to work as quickly and as safely as possible.
Highway 17 northbound remains closed with the road work progressing well.
Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) has not set a definite date for the reopening.
Highway 17 south remains open with gravel sections.
The OPP and MTO warn the motorists to drive with extreme caution in these areas.
A speed reduction is in effect, with plenty of signage to warn the public of the gravel areas.
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