Aklavik (Jun 05/06) - The state of emergency that lasted almost a week in this hamlet is now over after flood waters receded.

All municipal services, including garbage pick up and water delivery, are now up and running.

Around 316 people were evacuated May 26 and 27 when excess water from melting ice on the Peel Channel of the Mackenzie River started rising.

By 2 p.m. on May 26, most of the roads were under water, leaving Mayor Knute Hansen with no choice but to declare a state of emergency.

"Most people returned home (Thursday)," Hansensaid Now the focus is on cleaning up the hamlet and getting roads - most of which were washed out - rebuilt, said Hansen.

"There was some damage to private and public homes, mostly septic tanks," said the mayor.

The Aklavik band office was also flooded.

Debris and left over standing water are the two major problems facing residents.

A curfew is being enforced for youth and parents have been asked to keep children from playing in standing water, which could be full of contaminants, said the mayor.