353 People were Isolated Because of The Collapsed Bridge

Simpang Empat, (Antara Sumbar) - Total number of 353 people in Jorong Rura Patontang Koto Balingka Sub-district, West Pasaman District, West Sumatra, were isolated as a result of the collapsed bridge due to Batahan River flood, on Monday (Oct 9).

"As a result of the overflowing of Batahan River, the bridge which connecting Jorong Pengambiran to Jorong Rura Patontang collapsed," Parit Koto Balingka Sub-district Chief Hamulian stated on Tuesday (Oct 10).

According to him, the 12-meter-long bridge was totally broken. Then, as a result 97 families with 353 people isolated. No casualties, because it is the only road access which is impassable.

"The joint team of West Pasaman District and community now have to build an alternative bridge together, while for communication access, it is not functioning properly because Jorong Rura Patontang is an isolated area in West Pasaman," he said.

He hopes relevant agencies to immediately find a solution related to how the bridge that collapsed immediately repaired. Because the bridge is the only one access to Jorong Rura Patontang.

Meanwhile, from the results of data collection by Agency of Regional Disaster Management (BPBD) of West Pasaman, Batahan River flood impact has increased.

The previous data showed the flood impacts 13 housing units, then this time it increases. Temporary data of two units of resident houses on behalf of Kahirani and Rudi drifted by flood. Meanwhile, homes that suffered heavy damage reached 20 units of houses.

In addition, flood also damaged 14 hectares of community corn and 0.5 hectares of ponds which are ready to harvest belonging to local fish farming groups drifted. Then it damaged a suspension bridge sling connecting two villages in the area.

"That are the temporary data we get and currently the officers are still doing data collection while providing assistance to flood victims," Head of West Pasaman BPBD, Try Wahluyo said.

He said the temporary handling that had been done by a joint team of local government together with PMI, TNI, and Polri had set up one unit of disaster post, two refugee tents and public kitchen.

As for the flood placement of Department of Public Works has lowered one unit of heavy equipment to make a ditch to divert water due to the flood. (cha)

Editor: Vicha Faradika