Hyder, Alaska cut off from Stewart, B.C. by nighttime border closure
Officials say Hyder, Alaska residents will still have round-the-clock access to emergency medical care
Canada has closed the border crossing overnight near the northeastern town of Stewart B.C. cutting off the tiny Alaskan U.S. town of Hyder.
However, despite concerns about being cut off from medical services, border officials say residents will still have access to emergency medical care overnight.
Canadian officials began closing the road linking Hyder with nearby Stewart, B.C., on Wednesday. Coast Alaska News reported on the concerns of Hyder residents who depend on Stewart for health care and mainland road access.
The town, northeast of Ketchikan, has fewer than 100 residents. Stewart, a few miles away, has a population of about 500.
While initial reports said Hyder residents might no longer have nighttime access to emergency medical care in Stewart, the Canada Border Services Agency said first responders and Hyder residents will have 24-hour access, but will have to phone border services.
Spokeswoman Jennifer Bourque said she wanted to reassure residents emergency access will be available "in the event of a situation such as a medical emergency, natural disaster, or if there is a risk to critical infrastructure."