Northern Manitoba community deals with suberged rail line, supply issues

CHURCHILL, Man. — A flooded rail line is continuing to raise concerns in the northern Manitoba community of Churchill where the spring tourist season is about to begin.

The town on Hudson Bay depends on rail service to bring in people and supplies because there are no highways to the rest of the province, but flooding this spring has left a section of the rail line underwater.

A statement from Churchill officials says short-term arrangements have been made to fly in supplies, but there is no word yet on when things will return to normal.

The town of 900 people is worried the disruption will prevent visitors from around the world from travelling to the area to see beluga whales.