Over 400 people were evacuated from the Attawapiskat First Nation and arrived at their temporary lodging in three Thunder Bay hotels on Mother's Day.

The breakup of the Attawapiskat River is creating ice jams that could pose significant risks of flooding in the community located on the coast of James Bay Coast and 440 residents from the Attawapiskat First Nation arrived in the city Sunday on flights from Moosonee and by bus from Geraldton. The Victoria Inn, Landmark Inn and Venture Inn Travelodge received temporary guests.

According to city fire department spokesman, Brian Berringer, Sunday was a busy day for city staff and Red Cross but everything went smoothly getting the people from the airport and off buses and settled. He said the evacuees appeared to be handling the situation well. ''We concentrated on getting all 440 people fed and housed by 9 o'clock last night.''

Local resources are now being stretched thin as the city tries to accommodate the new visitors and Fire Chief John Hay says officials are now asking that this be the limit of the amount of evacuees the city takes in for now. The city has taken in more than expected to keep families together. ''We are stretched pretty thin, we are managing well, but can't take anymore.''

An evacuee voiced the concern of many saying '' I just hope that our village will be safe and the houses won't be affected by ice.''

The weather will play a part in determining how long the people will be in the city.

The community of 1,400 on the coast of James Bay is the latest to be under threat of spring flooding and about 900 evacuees were taken to Geraldton, Hearst, Timmins and Kapuskasing as well as Thunder Bay. About two weeks ago Thunder Bay offered refuge to 90 people from the Fort Albany First Nation.