Home / Disasters and Accidents / Arctic Community Rebuilds After Devastating Storm
Arctic Community Rebuilds After Devastating Storm
18 Jun
Summary
- Federal disaster aid authorized for Tuktoyaktuk's storm recovery.
- Residents and businesses can claim up to $240,000 for damages.
- Climate change exacerbates coastal erosion in the Arctic region.
Federal disaster assistance has been authorized for Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T., offering a vital lifeline to residents impacted by a severe storm last August. The storm surge caused widespread flooding, damaging homes, critical infrastructure, and roads, while also disrupting power and phone services.
Residents and businesses can now apply for assistance, with potential claims up to $240,000. The territorial government's Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) department is managing the rollout, which involves assessments to determine the scale of damage. Officials are working with the community to gather applications and expect assessors to visit in the coming months.
The community is also grappling with the long-term effects of climate change, which is accelerating coastal erosion. Earlier ice break-ups and later freeze-ups have resulted in extended periods of open water, increasing vulnerability to storms and necessitating proactive preparation for future events.
