MITTIMATALIK/POND INLET - A large mudslide near Pond Inlet Wednesday has some residents concerned about the possibility of it happening in the community.

The mudslide was about 80 metres long and, according to Colin Saunders, the economic development officer for the hamlet, was the biggest one on record for the hamlet.

He said people are worried a similar slide could happen at a spot called Hamlet Hill, at the base of which are several houses and the RCMP station.

"There's been people expressing some concern that that hill may slide eventually," said Saunders.

Saunders said the land has not been extensively studied and it might be a good idea to do so.

"You could probably point your finger at global warming because the permafrost is slowing dying," said Saunders.

"A lot of permafrost is actually just frozen mud and when it thaws, it slides."

Mike Richards, senior administrative officer for the hamlet, said he thinks the mudslide may have been due to a large amount of rain the area has been having lately.

"The area is quite saturated," said Richards. There was a very fine clay that got saturated with water and seeped away, according to Richards, and a layer of gravel on top of it had eroded down, both of which caused the slide.

He said he hasn't heard much feedback from residents about the mudslide due to it being a busy time in the community - Operation Nanook and a cruise ship were expected to visit the community this past weekend - but he said he thinks it will be a topic of discussion when things calm down.

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