Musi Rawas Utara, KOTABARI.COM – Two suspension bridges in the Ulu Rawas District, North Musi Rawas Regency, South Sumatra, have been severed following the impact of rising water levels due to heavy rainfall. The two collapsed bridges span the Rawas River precisely in the villages of Sosokan and Muara Kuis, Ulu Rawas District, Muratara.
The Ulu Rawas Subdistrict Head, Darmawan, confirmed that both bridges, crucial for local residents, are now inoperable. “We have received confirmation about two bridges being severed, one in Sosokan and the other in Muara Kuis,” stated Darmawan.
Flooding in several villages in the upstream area of the Rawas River has been ongoing since Wednesday (10/1/2024). Although the water levels receded initially, they rose rapidly again after prolonged heavy rain. Darmawan disclosed that they have been on alert since last night, and many residents have sought refuge in safer locations. “Since last night, we have been on alert; we couldn’t sleep. Many of our residents have evacuated to safer places,” he said.
Darmawan further urged residents residing along the downstream banks of the Rawas River to remain vigilant and alert for potential floods coming from the upstream areas. While the water discharge in the upstream areas is gradually decreasing, it is still considerably high and swift.
In the downstream of the Ulu Rawas Subdistrict, there are four other sub-districts situated along the banks of the Rawas River, namely Rawas Ulu, Rupit, Karang Dapo, and Rawas Ilir. Darmawan advised the community in these areas to promptly evacuate themselves and their belongings to safer locations as a precautionary measure.
It is essential to note that a similar incident occurred two weeks ago on Saturday (30/12/2023), where a suspension bridge in the village of Batu Gajah, Rupit Subdistrict, Muratara Regency, collapsed after being hit by drifting bamboo clusters during a high tide in the Rupit River. Local authorities are currently coordinating efforts to provide assistance and quick solutions to address the emergency situation resulting from these incidents.