State of Emergency declared in Wawa (photo, 10:45 a.m. update)

OPP NEWS RELEASE

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State of emergency in Wawa - 10:45 a.m. update

WAWA - The Ontario Provincial Police Superior East Wawa Detachment advise that Highway 17 at Wawa continues to be closed both north bound and south bound. 

The highway has been closed as a result of high levels of water has caused the road to erode away.

Currently the Municipality of Wawa has declared a state of emergency.

At this time the Municipality of Wawa Public Works Department and Michipicoten First Nation Infrastructure Department are jointly working to reopen the road into the First Nation. 

Tremblay Flats road is passable but is recommended for emergencies only.

Again Highway 101 just east of Wawa is open. 

OPP advise motorists to drive with caution for the first 10 kilometres when leaving Wawa.

911 services in Dubreuilville and Michipicoten First Nation are not currently available. 

Bell Canada is aware of this and is currently working to resolve the problems as quickly as possible.

Several 911 distress calls were received from residents in the Harbour on Lake Superior. 

OPP with the assistance of Wilderness Helicopters are working to access these locations. 

One family has been removed via helicopter and OPP have returned to the area to locate a second resident.

OPP urge the public to remain off the roadways unless absolutely necessary. 

An updated media release will be sent out when more details are known.

 

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High volume of water results in highway closures