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Residents of Kashechewan First Nation evacuated for fear of flooding

THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO file

KASHECHEWAN, Ont. – More than 200 residents of the Kashechewan First Nation have been moved from their homes because of potential flooding, with plans for an evacuation involving about 500 more people.

Residents who are deemed vulnerable – children, seniors and people with medical conditions – are being airlifted out of the remote James Bay community and into Kapuskasing and Thunder Bay.

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The province says the flooding could be caused by ice jams on the Albany River.

READ MORE: Children treated for painful skin conditions on Ontario reserve

The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management are coordinating the evacuation, with help from local First Nations and the Ministry of National Resources.

The province says the evacuation may ultimately involve more than 1,200 residents.

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They expect to bring out about 240 residents Saturday, and 300 more on Sunday.

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